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m THE SERVICE. 



A PiECOED OF THE DOmaS 



OF THE IITH REG. MISSOURI VOLS. 



BY D. McCALL, 

A PEIVATE OF CO. B. 




SPRINGFIELD: 

STE\M PRESS CF BAKER t BHILLIPS. 

1864. 



EECOED OF THE DOINGS 



IITH EEG. OF MISSOUEI VOLUNTEERS. 



Being anxious to serve my country, I walked to Springfield, Illinois, a dis- 
tance of twenty-five miles. I arrived there early in the evening, and took up 
lodging with a German that night, which was on the 14th day of July, 1861. 
There were several recruiting officers enlisting men for cavalry or infantry. 
Andrew J. Weber was enlisting a company for an infantry regiment, which I 
joined. There were then about thirty members. After remaining here, for a 
lew days, boarding at the Owen House, we got on board the cars, which were 
in waiting, to carry us to our destination. 

Sorrowful were the scenes at parting from friends to go from their homes to 
defend their rights and liberty, many to fall victims of this unholy rebellion. 
As I was a stranger to the company, I had no regrets at leaving, as my friends 
were far away. The cars blowed their whistle, and amid the cheers of the peo- 
ple, and waving of handkerchiefs, we left Springfield. Our destination being 
Missouri, we arrived at night at a place called Illinoistown, opposite St. Louis, 
and here we remained all night, and next morning we all went down to the 
river and washed. We were then ordered to fall in to go across the river. 
Company C accompanied us, commanded by Captain Moses Warner. The two 
companies fell in and formed in four ranks, and the command was given, and 
we started to the river ; we soon arriven on the bank. There was a ferry boat 
in waiting to carry us across, we marched board, and the boat soon landed us 
below St. Louis, where the command was formed in line, and it was soon on its 
way to the arsenal. We arrived there early in the day. The day was warm, 
and the streets were dusty, which made it quite disagreeable marching. We 
were not molested on the way. Most of us were without arms. The people 
lined the sidewalks as we passed. 

When we arrived at the arsenal rations were issued to us, and we eat what we 
got with a good relish, as we had cat nothing since leaving Springfield the day 
before. Most of the boys were without money. After staying here for a few 
hours, the command was ordered to fall in and wc were went from here to 
Marine Hospital, where wc remained several weeks. It was here we experienced 
the duties of a soldier. We quartered in a long low building, with straw and 
plank to lay on. Provisions were good enough, such as they were, and as we 
had no conveniences prepared, we labored under difficulties to get enough to 
eat. 

Commenced drilling, and drilled eight hours a day. Our progress was very 
slow at first, as our commanders were not very proficient iu drill. But we soon 
learned to keep step and the other changes. This continued until one day we 



marchod flown to the arsenal, wore sworn in as a regiment, and drew our arms. 
We had previously no arms but some old flint lock niu-kets, most of them with- 
out bivonets. Alicr dnnving our equipments wv ntuniod to quiirter<, and in a 
few d cvs the order eanie to pn pure for marching. 

The regiment marched to the bank of the river, stacked arm-, and there we 
remained until evening, awaiting the boat, which arrived at last, and the bucle 
sounded, and the order came to go on board the boat. We fell in and marclied 
about a milt;, when we got on board cf the boat awaiting us at the landing. 
Everything being ready, the boat soon left tlie landing, and she headed down 
the river. Next day we landed at Cape Giraideau, Mir'snuii, Auirust 7th, 1861. 
The regiment soon landed, stacked arms, and men were detaik-d out of cath 
company to unload the boat. It was hard work, as we had to roll the bands 
and hogsheads up a very high hill. But we were strong and he.dthy, soon put 
every thing on shore. 

We carried our things into an old mill, which was deserted. This was to be 
our quarters for a while — eoinpany B on one side of the room, company C the 
other, in the second s'orv. The regiment was under command of Oul. David 
A. Bayles, a captain in three months' service. He was very severe on us. We 
had to diill eight Imurs a day, and there was a great deal of fatigue duty to do. 
The situation uf Cape Girardeau when we anived: — The city is built on the 
bank of the Mississippi river, and back of it was very high bluffs, and it was 
defended by the 8th Missouri and 20th Illinois regiments, some Missouri home 
guards, cavalry and infantry. There was one small foit, paril\ fir.i.-hed, no 
guns mounted, every street was strongly guarded, sentinels standing on every 
corner, and no person allowed to pass without a written permit from headquar- 
ters. Patrols p. itroled tlie town night and day. The citizens treated us quite 
civilly as long as we remained here. 

We were here but a short time when the report was brought to headquarters 
that a rebel force was marching on us with a heavy siegi' piece. The report we 
found to be true, as a deserter informed us afterwards. The alarm soon spread 
through the camps, and all was in comnioiion. Every man was ordered under 
arms, and three companies of the 11th Missouri nginunt were ordered to go 
out and act as picket. Company B was one of the companies detailed. It w.^s 
early in the evening when we buckled on our belts, order was given fall into 
line, and our three companies formed in column atid marched thne miles, where 
was a heavy piece of timber. Here we deployed as skirmishers alung the fence, 
which was built very high, and awaited tiie lebels until morning. Woods were 
on each side of the road. There Avas nothing worth menticning oecuired to us 
during our stay thcie, but the evening being far advanced, every ime was roused 
to his feet ; some were last asleep, while others preferred walking up and down to 
sleeping, a shot was fired, and then .«everal followed in quick succession. The 
sound came from camp. After a volley was fired, everything became silent, and 
all was still again, and we returned to camp, when we were informed that they 
■were ordered out on the top of a high hill, a sliort time after the three compa- 
nies left, and there they remained in line of battle, on the ground, with th<ir 
arms by their side ; as the night was quite dark, they could not distinguish 
friend from foe ; they were attacked and had a skirmish, a<'t<'r .>-evt.r;;l volleys 
were fired on each side, and three men were badly wounded. If there wi-re 
rebels there they had all disappeared in the morning. Plenty of tracks were 
visilde of men and horses near where the firing was, and the supposition was 
that there was a considerable force there. 

Men were busy all that evening throwing up cntrenchnients and placing guns 
ill position, and thus continued night and day lor some time. 

On • evening the order came to j)iepare for niarehing. We were soon in line, 
the command was given, forward, and off' we started. Took the Jackson road 
and marched quite close to it, and the command halted to examine the front, 
and we were soon ordered forward, the town was quickly surrounded, cannon 
placed on botli ends of the street, and a sentinel guarded eveiy door and win- 
dow, and the citizens when they arose in the morning, found themselves piison- 
ers in the hands of tlie federal soidieis. All the stores were ^lut. It is a verv 



good place for a town, ■end was at one time a smart place for business. There 
wei'C several stores and groceries, a saddler's shop, and a fine p'ace for fruit, and 
the soldiers fared well for a while on praches and apples. The merchants would 
not sell goods to the Union boys, and they helped themselves. There were but 
few men in town, as they left when tlu'v heard of our coming, and did not Wiiit 
for us to m ike our appearance, as this was their place of resort a short time 
before. After getting what apples and peaches we wanted, and fiighteniiig the 
citizens by firing several salutrs and breaking some windows, we leit. 

A great many of the citizens of the surrounding country came in to see the 
soldiers, and were detained until wc left nrxt morning. When the regiment 
was ready to return to camp, the report came that General Prentiss was coming 
into town with a Ijrigade of infantry, and the regiments were formed in open 
order, and at length the expected visitor arrived with his staff. He rode down 
through the lines, and back again to the licad, and made a short speech to us. 
lie said never take a word of insult from a rebel ; if any one offered you any 
insult, shoot him down, for that was the way to end tlic; rebellion. With a few 
more remarks, of not much import, he closed his speech, and the column was 
soon in motion, and we arrived at quarters early in the evening, much pleased 
■with our trip. 

Then commenced the work of building forts. Spades, shovels and wheelbar- 
rows came into rcquisitit)n, and all men fit for duty weri compelled to work, 
throwing up breastworks until four strong forts were completed and mounted 
with heavy siege guns, 24-poim(iers ; the timber was cut down all around within 
a mile of the fort. All kinds of reports were flying through camp. 

One evening we were ordered to fall in, and without much ceremony some few 
companies were marched up through the town, until they reached an old two 
story buihjing on the corner of a .--treet. Halt, was heaid along the line, and 
they stopped for a shore time waiting for further Orders. They were soon order- 
ed forward, and nnirciied into the hoii e, up into the first story, and a lookout 
was placed at each window. I was one detailed for duty. The night was beau- 
tiful, and I could discern olij^.-ets for some di?^tanee, but noth'ng distiU'bed the 
quiet of that still evening but the heavy snoring of the soldiers as they lay in 
deep sleep all arcnmd me. Some, perhaps, were thinking or dreaming of luved 
cms at home, of I'l lends that were far avvay ; so the night passed off withoutan 
enemy disturbing us. and in the morning we returned to camp. Several parties 
of soldiers were sent out to search for rebels, but tliey never encountered any, 
as they always evaded our scouts. 

A nuin from leriyviHe, Perry county, came to the Capo ashing Bayles to send 
a force to meet the rebels said to be advancing on it. About oOD men was or- 
dered on l)oard the old Illinois steamboat, and company B was chosen and parts 
of other companies volunteered to go. Aft''r getting on board, the old ark be- 
gan to recede from shore, \ftcr numerous delays we found ourselves at Sand- 
fbid's Landing, fil'teen miles from Perryville, and this must be roaehed as quick 
as possible. After ascending a very high hill with the utmost diffieultey, we 
started on oui' way. Two cuizens took the oath of allegiance on the road, and 
were let go whei'e they pleased. Company R was ditailed to skirmish through 
that broken country, and we were put in advance, and was made to halt if we 
got too far ahead, and wait until the rear came up. lu the evening company B 
was made the ^advance guard, and they encamped near a large ,-pring of cold 
water, which was very acceptable to us, as we did not get much good water after 
leaving the river. Here a citizen of Perryville was made a prisoner. He was 
lurking near this spring, was well armed, but made no resisinnee, and he was 
soon disarmed. \\'e louiid him quite an influential man among the citizens, and 
was then captain of a nbel company. He was owner of a hotel in town. We 
arrived within sight of the town, and were ordered to divide off into small 
squads and advance from all sides, and take the town by surprise. The order 
was quickly obeyed, and the band sti uek up the tune of Yankee Doodle, with 
drums beating and colors fl\ing, maiehi d into the court yard bifore the citizens 
could get away. There was a German ball in progr< ss, but it was soon stopped 
and the people returned to their homes. Whisky flowed quite freely, and the 



oflScers and men had a good time generally with the ladies of the town. Beef 
was furnished to us by the people, and it was quite a treat to us to get to eat at 
a. table. There were plenty of apples and peaches, also sweet potatoes, we found 
in great abundance. There was plenty to cat here, and the people would invite 
the soldiers to dine with them. 

Next nirrning we drew our uniformF, and one of the men by the name of Ford, 
was drowned while . i the river washing himself before changing his clothes. 
This was the first death in the company. A whole brigade followed this young 
man to his lonely resting place. The next death was one of Grant's staff, and 
the next was a John lleadly. 

About the middle of October we were ordered to prepare for marching, as we 
were to go out to meet Jeff. Thompson's forces, said to be at Fredericksburg. 
When we started trie rain was falling sufBcient to make it pleasant marching, 
during the whole of the trip. A brigade of infantry was encamped near the 
town, which informed us that Jeff. Thompson had left ; so our brigade started 
in pursuit, consisting of the 17th Illinois, 5th Indiana cavalry, and one battalion. 
We met ihe rebels and repulsed them after a fight which lasted about twenty-four 
hours, which resulted in a loss to the rebels of about 600 in killed, wounded and 
prisoners. We came very near being surprised and our force taken. We were 
marching as if it were to our destruction, when an old negro warned us of our 
danger. He informed Plummer whece the rebels were posted. They had plant- 
ed two batteries so that when we got close enough they could rake our ranks. 
Plummer ordered up a battery and opened on them where we supposed the 
rebels were. Blank cartidges were fi. :d from our side, and they replied with 
shot and shell, doing no damage, ps they shot over us. The 17th Illinois and 
part of the 11th Missouri were ordered forward, and they advanced and poured 
in a heavy volley of Musketry, and the enemy could not stand it and fled, and 
left us masters of the field. The 1st Indiana cavalry made a charge, and Major 
Gaviit was killed with 250 men either killed or wounded. Infantry loss was 
slight. The 17th and 20th Illinois charg -d and took a battery. Col. Lowe was 
killed on the rebel side, and Thompson's army all dispersed. We followed them 
12 miles, and they burned a biidge, so we could not follow them any farther. 
That was the death-blow to Jeff. Thompson's forces. There -were about 3,000 
rebels engaged. Ou our side about 1,700. The battle lasted six hours, and the 
rebels were completely routed. 

The battle was fought on the 21st day of October, 1861. Nothing worth 
mentioning occuried to us until the 25th day of February, 1862, when we were 
ordered to prepare for leaving Cape Girardeau, where we had been encamped 
for over six months ; where we had spent many days on fatigue duty in throw- 
ing up breastworks, and when we left there were four forts, strongly fortified, 
mounted with siege guns, and no force the rebels could send against it could 
take it, and I think we left it secure from invasion. 

On the 26th the regiment got on board the steamer Empress, we landed at 
Commerce, and after staying there a short time we took up our line of march 
in pursuit of the enemy, said to be retreating from before us. Our advance had 
a short skirmish with part of Jeff's forces. Our cavalry routed them, and took 
four small cannon, with a few prisoners. The skirmish was a short distance 
from Sikestown. Jeff, escaped, but lost his horse and a white leather out of his 
hat. The next morning we resumed our march. Rain fell that day, and made 
it hard marching for us, and at length we found ourselves opposite New Matirid. 
We formed our line of battle and advanced within two miles of the rebel's 
stronghold, and they commenced shelling us with their heavy guns, but there was 
little damage done our side, and after remaining under fire for some time, we 
moved back and bivouacked for the night, as we did not think it advisable to 
storm the works then, as the rebel ; were protected by gunb'^ats, and we could 
not hold them if we should gain possession of them. The weather was quite 
cold and some snow fell. 

After staying here a short time we were ordered to move, and we were soon 
in motion again. We marched nearly all night, and at last came to a halt, and 
were ordered to lay down without any fire and make ourselves as comfortable as 



possible, and there we remained until morning. Such a night as we passed 
there will long be remembered bj' me. Some of us had no blankets, and we left 
our knapsacks at Sikcstown. There was some snow on the ground ; we waded 
thiough water over our shoes, and had to sleep with wet feet ; but very little 
sleep we had that long night. "We were four miles from a place called Point 
Pleasant, and at daylight were on the march for this place. We double-quicked 
about two miles. There were a few boats tied up at the landing, which our 
sharpshooters soon drove from there, and they all escaped. Some of the crenrs 
were killed. 

After Plummer's men drove the rebels from the town, they took possession, 
and then commenced the work of plunder. Stores were broken into and every- 
think of value was taken. One warehouse was filled with corn, sugar and mo- 
lasses. Whisky and medicines in abundance, as there were several drug stores, 
and the boys helped themselves to what they wanted. Our camp was about a 
mile from the town, and most everything of value wps carried off. It was in a 
low swampy piece of ground, we had no tonts, and had to lay on the ground in 
water, at times the rain pouring in torren z upon us. A detail was made to go 
and dig rifle pits. The enemy had a gunboat, and they tried to drive Captain 
Weber and his working party away, but were unable to make the workers desist, 
and they soon had sufficient protection from the shot and shell that was continu- 
ally falling around them. Batteries were planted, and they got a siege gun in 
operation, the enemy's gunboats found it not good policy to venture within reach 
of our guns ; but they planted batteries on the opposite side of the river, and 
then could not make us leave. We had come to stay for a while, and we were 
determined on it. New Madrid was soon stormed and taken, and gunboat ran 
the blockade, and came down the river puffing and blowing, dismounting all the 
enemies batteries and scattering them in every direction, as if they were nothing 
but chaff. 

After dismounting all the rebel batteries, we were ordered to get ready to 
move, and soon were in motion again. Mud was over our shoe tops, and it was 
very hard marching. After a while we arrived at New Madrid. I must mention 
an occurrence that transpired while at Point Pleasar.t. One night there was a 
heavy thunder shower, accompanied with wind and rain, ai d a good many trees 
were blown down, and several of the 7th Illinois cavalry men iiilled and 
wounded. 

One evening a detail of men was made to go and haul a siege gun and plant it 
below camp about four miles at a place called Tiptonville. The work was per- 
formed by morning, the boys having hauled it through mud and mire by hand, 
and in the morning was ready to go into operation, and that one gun whipped 
five boats, and made them get out of reach of its shot, and no boats could pass 
there then, so they had to remain above. When we arrived at New Madrid 
boats were busy transporting troops across the river, the object being to attack 
Island No. 10; but while this was being done they evacuated, and about 4,000 
prisoners were taken near Tiptonville. As they were trying to escape a floating 
battery came down the river and created quite an excitement amongst the men 
until they discovered what it was. Some meu boarded with a skift' and found 
that there was no danger. 

Several steamboats floated down passed our camp, and the rebels tried to sink 
them by cutting holes in them, but still they floated down to us, and our men 
soon put them in working order. The floating battery sunk near Tiptonville. 
We took possession of Island No. 10, and got all the heavy siege guns and an 
immense quantity of provisions, plenty of small arms and ammunition. After 
remaining at New Madrid for a few days, we took steamboats, stearing our course 
down the river. Gen. Pope was in command at this time. Plummer was our 
Colonel. We passed several small towns on the way, and arrived at a place 
called Mosquito Landing, in Arkansas. It was well worth the name, for a worse 
place for mosquitos I never saw. There was no peace for us — a continual sing- 
ing in our ears by these torments. 

Wc were within about three miles of Fort Wright, and our mortars and gun- 
boats commenced throwing shot and shell into the rebel works. We could 



plainly see the smoke nnd liear the report of our guns as thi^y exploded. After 
rein;iininj; here for a short time we were ordered baclc up the river to opposite 
llaniburg Landing, where we disembarked, And took up our line of niareh to- 
wards Corinth, where the rebels were making a stand to dispute our progress 
into the State of Mississippi. Our advance had a light almost every day, but 
thev drove the rebels before them at every .^kirmisii. They eould make but 
a poor resistanee to our advance, and we gained very rapidly on the rebels, and 
drove them back step by step, until they arrived within about four miles of 
Corinth. Ileie a long line of rille pits were dug, and heavy siege pieces were 
got into position. We encamped within about .six miles of Corinth, and had 
our grand guard line established to within about three miles of Corinth. Pickets 
were shooting at one another most of the time, until the 8th of May, 1862, when 
a brigade of Infantry and some cavalry were ordered out to reconnoitre, when 
the rebels were drove inside their works. After the day had drawn to a close, 
and the dew was falling heavily, we retraced our step*, and rested for the night 
a short di.-tanee from Farmington. 

Early the next mornii.g our ears were saluted with the heavy boom of cannon. 
The rebels had planted several batteries during the night, and the 22d and onth 
Illinois had barely time to throw off their knapsacks, for the rebels were pout- 
ing the shot and shell into them, and they had to take the cover of a heavy 
piece of timber. The rebels triid to dislodge thctn, but were unable to do so. 
The brigade wms ordered to take a position on the left, and it was done as soon 
as possible. We could see the rebels as ihey ch;ir^ed in he ivy masses on our 
men. They advanced with a yell and a rush, but were obliged to fall back from 
the heavy fiie of our men, who were poming heavy volleys of mu-ketry into 
their columns, As their regimmts were thrown into confusion the 2d Iowa cav- 
alry made a charge, and drove the rebels back, but there were too many of them 
and they had to fall back with heavy loss. Their was but little artillery used on 
our side, as the object was not to bring on a general engacement. It was on this 
day that the Lieut. Colonel of the 47th Illinois was killed. He was very well 
liked bv the regiment, and they suffered a great loss in his death. 

The 11th Missouri regimei.t was formed, in line of bitttle within a short dis- 
tance of a rebel battery which was shelling our men with pretty good effect, but 
they never fired a shot at us. Their object was to flank us aiid t:d{e all prison- 
ers. Our Cidonel at this time was Joseph A. Mowers. Plummer was promoted 
to a Brigadier General, and he recommended Mower for our Colonel, and he was 
accepted by the regiment as a fit man to command it. He was riding up and 
down the lines surveying with an eagle eye the operations of the enemy, when 
he perceived their intciition was to- flank us, and he ordered us to about face in 
retreat, and we double-quicked about two miles, came to a halt, ar.d fornu d our 
line, waiting to receive the rebels if they made their appearance. But they did 
not think it, advisable to venture into the timber where we were posted. We 
remained there until evening, and then returned to camp. An advance was 
made along our whole line, and that night we planted several batteries, and next 
day dug riifle pits at Farmington. Our line of rifle pits extended along the whole 
line, a distance of fourteen miles. Two companies had to lay in the pits in case 
of an attack, but wc were not molested. 

On the 24th of May five companies of the llth Mi.ssouri and some artillery 
were ordered out to drive in the rebel grand guard, and our gunners shelled the 
rebel camp awhile. Thev had to leave and go inside their works ; we made a 
charge, and the rebels fled before us about half a mile. Companies II and F 
were thrown out as skirmishers. We passed through some heavy timber, and 
when we came out into view the rebels poured a heavy volley into us, but 
it passed over our heads and done us no injury. Company H was skirmishing in 
advance a short distance, when three of them wore wounded, tiie whole regiment 
was ordered to fire. We fired one round and the rebels f.ll back. One man 
came in and give himself up. But few prisoners were taken. One rebel was 
carried from the field by our men, and he died before they could get him to the 
hospital. 

Our General did; not think it good policy to venture too close at this time, 
so we returned to camp. 



9 

It was in front of Corinth that Col. Worthington was killed. He was doing 
duty on guar 1, an 1 the ord'rs were very stiict,. The sent'nels were order, d to 
allow no one out-side nf tlie liii 'S after night. H- gave the order iiiniseif, and 
that uiglit he was killed by one of his own men. lie belonged to the 5th Iowa 
inl'iiitry. 

On the 2'!th another adviiiu'C w:is made, and this day company B lay in be- 
tween tlie fire of two bmieries — ours iind the rebels' — for two hours, as tiicy 
had to fire right over them. They had skirjiiished to witliiii 200 yards of the 
rebel works, and ^heie they were ordered to lay down, and the shut and shell 
fle w all around them, but riot a man of company B was irijnred. A long line of 
rifle pits were duj; and our men soon tiad protection from the enemy's shot and 
shell, as they were doiog thi'ir best to drive them back, they In Id their position 
and could not get the federals to leave. They made several charge" oo our bat- 
teries, but were repulsed at every point, and were obliged to retire and leave us 
masters of the field. We lay in the pits all of the 29th, and on this night the 
rebels evacuated. 

The attack was to be made along the whole line on the 30th. Everything 
being ready, the b:ill was to be opened on the morrow by Gens. Halleck and 
Pope, when the rebels evacuateil, and we took possession. Our ears were 
startled by hearing a sound like the report of a hundred cannon being fired at 
once. It was the rebels blowins up their magazine before having Our men 
took possession on the morning of the 30th, and started in pursuit of the retreat- 
ing rebels. We followed them nbout twenty-five miles, to a place called Baone- 
viile. About 20,000 prisoners were taken altogether. 

Col. Ellett, With a ^tlong f)rce of c.ivaliy intercepted the cars at Booneville 
with about 2,ti00 men on board, and an immense amount of arms and ammuni- 
tion, which was burned and the r.iilroad destroyed. 

When the rebel niagazine was burning a heavy smoke arose, and the sky was 
dark with d^rnse coluunis of smoke as it curled upvv irds from the burning tim- 
bers, and at la^•t came the explo>ion. We thought th:it our men had made the 
attack — but no, the birds had fl iwn, and left us nothing but their cage. 

After remaining at Booneville several days, \\e returned to CJoiinth, and took 
our camp on Clear Creels, about four miles from tlmt place. There we formed 
a camp of instruction. It w.is a very hard maich fom Booneville fo our pres- 
ent Ciimp. Our brigade was commanded by the Colonel of the 8th Wisconsin 
regiment of volunteers. Our Colonel drilled us in the battalion drill in the 
morning, brigade drill in the afternoon. We had our drills for several weeks. 

At list we received marching orders, and all was bustle until we were on the 
move again. We m irclied from Clear Creek to Burnville, and f om Burnville, 
we went to Ldia, where there are several fine springs of water, and was, in times 
of peace, a great resort for the aristocracy of the South, to spend their summer. 
From there we went to Tu-^cumbia, where we rem lined for some time. Tuscum- 
bia was a flourishing town a short distanee fiom the Tennessee River. Our gun- 
boats threw a few shell into it and raisi'd quite an excitement in town. There 
was no business carried on, only by a few sutlers. Tiiere was a flue spring and 
we had plenty of water, apples and peaches in great iibundance; also sweet po- 
tatoes and corn. The negroes bi ought into camp watermelons, and we had a 
good supply of them for some time. 

From here we were ordered back to luka, having received inftirmation that a 
force of rebel cavalry was in Russclville. We took up our line of march with 
two pieces of artillery, to go into the mountains in search of these marauders. 
We traveled all over the bids of Tuseumbia, but did not encounter an enemy, as 
the 3d Michigin cavalry met them and defeated lliem before we could g'>t to 
their assi-tance, near Russelvillc. We pissed through Russclville and Frank- 
fort, and here rebel cav dry cut off some of our str.igglers, and two were taken 
pris iners. At length v.o arrived at luka After ninainnig there a short time 
we moved out about c ght miles from there and ihrowed up breastworks, ^ev- 
cnil of tin- b'pys were out ab uit one mile ffcom the canij) gathering watermelons, 
and six of them were taken prisoners, (fur men went out in pursuit but they 
fled before them. 



10 

One evening six companies of the 11th Missouri ^rent out to reconnoitre, and 
went out ten miles when we got intimition that (he rebels were in strong force 
in our front, and came to a halt, and were ordered to lay down and rest our 
wenry limbs. We remained here until about two o'clock, when we were ordered 
bnck to camp, where we arrived nt dny-light nnd found everything ready to move. 
When we returned we encamped at Burnville one night, and next day we re- 
turned to Camp C!eai Creek, and we did not get rested before we were ordered 
back again to Burnville. We marched all night and at length we arrived again 
at Burnville, where we encamped for the night. Next day the 8th Wisconsin, 
11th Missouri, 16th Iowa, and a bnttery of artillery and a battalion of cavalry, 
Berges' sharpshooters, aeted as skir nishers, going in advance. We ariivtd to 
within about two miles of luka, we formed our line of battle and the command 
was given fcrward, guide centre, and the 11th moved forward. Colonel Mower at 
their head. He was in command of the expedition. We advanced to within a 
mile of luka. They disputed our advance, but we steadily moved on. Several 
shots were fired at the r< bel cavalry, but they did not offer us battle, they did 
not know our numbers. After maneuvering around for several hours we started 
back, as we supposed, to Burnville, and got about two miles when we wore 
ordered back again, to attack the pursuing rebels who intendid to cut us off. but 
in this they were foiled by the Generalship of Col. Joseph A. Mower, and we 
drove the rebels into their stronghold. We could hear their bugle sound quite 
distinctly, and their intention was to send a force of cavalry and cut us off from 
Burnville. They burned a train of cars, killed several of our cavalry and tore 
up the road, but did not venture into Burnville. After going quite close to luka 
■we retraced our steps, and after kindling numerous fires to deceive the enemy, 
we left, and they supposed that we were encamped close to them, and great 
must have been their cliagrine and mortification when they surrounded the fires 
in the norning, to find the bird had flown. After building the fires we returned 
to camp at Boonville without molestation, where we stayed all of one day and 
next day until in the afternoon, when we were ordered to march again, and that 
night we encamped a short distance from Jacinto. It was here that we first saw 
Rosecrans. He had taken command of our division. 

We were on the move again early next morning, and came toahalt at our old 
camping ground, about eight miles from luka, where we got our dinner. Skir- 
mishing commenced with the enemy's pickets here, and two of our cavalry were 
killed at a white house a mile from our camp. The property was owned by a 
widow woman, and was burned by the infantry. We skirmished with the rebels 
to within two miles of luka, where we came to a halt, and what was it broke the 
stillness of this pleasant afternoon, the 19th of September, 1862? It was the 
heavy roar of cannon and musketry. The rebels occupied a strong position in 
front of luka, the 5th Iowa infintry was attacked by the rebels, as they were a 
support to the lltli Ohio battery ; the rebels charged upon them and in spite of 
the heavy fire of artillery and musketry they drove our men from their guns and 
took possession of them. The 5th contested the ground bravely, as their thin- 
ned ranks could testify. Their loss was about two hundred killed and wounded. 
About this time our brigade came up and our regiment was ordered to the front. 
W^e formed in four columns. After loading our guns wc marched to the regi- 
ment in double-quick ; distant from a piece of timber about half a mile, and here 
we right-flanked and marched in line of battle until we gained the cover of the 
timber, and a heavy growth of underbrush. The rt bels wore advancing to meet 
us, and said they were our friends and begged us not to fire on them, Jind we la- 
bored undc" this mistake for some time, but company C, commanded by Capt. 
Warner, being in advance of the regiment, saw the rebels coming and charged 
bayonets, and took eleven prisoners, including a Lieutenant. They were sent to 
the rear. The rebels approached so close that they used their revolvers, as the 
smoke of powder made it quite dark where we were, they did no damage but 
scorched some of the boys' faces with the powder. When we discovered the 
rebels in such close proximity to us we wore ordered to fire, which order was 
obeyed with alacrity, and volley after volley was poured into their advaniing 
columns. They throwed column after culumn against our line- to break them 
and cut their way out, but were unable to break our ranks. They tried three 



11 

times and were as often driven back, as our fire was undiminished until our am- 
munition was expended, wlien we were ordered to fall back. After enduring the 
fire of the enemy for an liour and a half we fell back, by order of commander, 
and the 10th Missouri took our place. During this time our men charged the 
rebels and retook our battery and two more guns. We lay on our arms all night ; 
after getting ammunition and filling our cartiidge-boxes we laid down to get 
some rest for our weary limbs ; having no blankets, and as the air became quite 
cold, we had to keep ourselves in motion to keep from freezing. Our shirts were 
wet from the sweat, and when we laid down we expected every moment to re- 
new tlie attack. A heavy volley was fired and every man sprung to his gun, but 
as there was no more firing we lay down again and tried to get some sleep, but 
that was out of the question, the air was too cold for that. That night General 
Price left. The attack was to have been made next moinnig, and an order to 
that eff'ect was sent to General Roseerans fi'om Gi ant, but it was intercepted. — 
Wo were sent by the way of Jacinto, and General Grant had to go straight to 
luka, which was not half as far as we had to go, and if it were not for that acci- 
dent General Price, with all of his force, would have been captured ; as it was, 
they discovered we were too strong for them, and thought it the best policy to 
get away as soon as possible ; so that night they left and next morning we start- 
ed in pursuit. General Grant threw out his skirmishers and made his advance 
into the town, but they soon found the rebels had fied, and they went into town 
with their colors tiying. When we passed tinough the town almost every house 
was tilled with sick or wounded soldiers, which they left behind in their haste to 
get away. We followed them all day but they had too much the start of us, and 
at night we encamped, and in the morning were on our way back again. After 
marching night and day we arrived at Jacinto, where we rested for a short time ; 
but we did not remain here long. We were soon ordered to move again, as there 
was not much rest for us. From Jacinto we went to Rienzi, and there encamp- 
ed for some time, and got pretty well rested. 

One evening when wo were thitiking of laying down and having a good night's 
sleep, we were ordered to prepare for marching, so, early in the evening we got 
started, and after marching until the night was far advanced, the command was 
ordered to halt, and here we remained until next morning. There we made our 
coffee and got plenty of good apples. After getting our breakftst we started 
again and came to a halt at the Hatchie River, where we remained until nearly- 
night, when we were ordered to fall in and were soon on our way back. After 
following this road for some time we turned to the left, in the direction of 
Corinth. We marched all night until we came to a place called Cossouth, near 
which jjlace we encamped one night, and next morning started again, and went 
within a mile of Coiinth, and were ordered to meet the advancing enemy, who 
were said to be driving our men before them. We came to a halt, stacked our 
arms and supposed we were to have a rest, when the order in stern command 
came along our lines to fall in. We suffered greatly for want of water. We 
inarched in quick time and could hear the heavy roar of cannon as we advanced. 
All at once we came to a halt, and formed our line of battle. What was it that 
made it so still ? all at once everything seemed quiet. It was a calm before an 
approaching storm, fir the rebels were advancing in solid column, and poured a 
heavy volley of musketry into our ranks, and one Imndied of the 8th Wiscon- 
sin was either killed or wounded. Our loss was slight, one noble young man in 
company B, was killed. lie was shot in the head and died without a struggle ; 
and we had to leave him on the field. They shot at us at long range, but some of 
their skirmishers advanced quite close to us, and some of the 11th went out to 
meet them, and the firing was quite brii<k for some time. The rebels did not 
advance any farther at this time. They got a cross fire on the Sth Wisconsin, 
and they suffered most in the brigade. The rebels had the advantage of posi- 
tion and numbers. Their nitention was to outflank us but they were unable to 
do so, as we could fall back under the heavy siege guns, conmianded by McWil- 
liams. After holding the rebels in check for some time we fell back, the lltb 
went inside of Fort Kobinette and there lay down, and made ourselves as com- 
fortable as possible. 



12 

About two o'clock in the morninp;, the boys having built a number of fircg 
along the line, the rcb' Ls advuncid a battorv to wit.liin five liumJrccl uirds of us 
niul I'oininenced shelling with giajie and eanis.er. The otdcr was given to put 
out the fires, a.s thi; rcbcLs were m'tting the ransje of us pritiy well, and we hid 
to lay close to the ground for fear of being hit. Seve.al guns were injured as 
they stood in the stacks, and one of company A, was slightly injund. One man 
in the 27th Ohio was kdled by the bursting of a shell, as the whole Ohio brig- 
ade 1 ly right ii. front of u-* and we were behind them as support. They shelled 
us and most every f-hot went over us, and went crashing through the town, a 
building being a poor protection fr(un l)alls. Some of them wasted their ^tl•englh 
against the trees in ihe tiiub r, whil-t others exploded above us, and we could 
hear the grape shot as it fed all around us. It w .s singular iliat no more were 
injured as two brig.idi'S lay ins:de the w rks of Foi t Uohinette. Our gunners 
re[)lied at intervals, Uhtil at hnglh day bi gaii to dawn, when our artilleiists 
could see where to direct their fire, and tluy soon stopped the rebels' guns. — 
They killed most all the rebels' horses and one gun was t dien as a prize, and 
the Capiaiii taken prisoner. There was eight brass field pieces, and it was al- 
most impossible to get away with their battery. After the rebels, battery was 
silenced everything became silent except tht; occasional sliotfiom the rebel 
sharpshooters Their hulh'ts would whistle over ns and sometimes strike an of- 
flcer or private and wound him, but not dangerou-ly, as they were at too gicat 
a range to do us much damage, the strength < f the balls l).'ing spent before 
they reached us. Sleep did not visit Geneial Rosecrans that night. lie was 
busy planning and pi icing batti'ries in p isition to give the rebels a warm recep- 
tion if they made iheir appearance, as it was rheir intention to nnike a desperate 
effort to recover Corinth and drive llosecrans out, ;ind lie was planning how he 
could be~t draw them on so he could bring all his guns to bear upon th. m. We 
were laying down in the rear of the Ohio brigade as a sup|)ort to them, and the 
rebels could use no artillery upon us as they could not get a suitible position to 
use it. The timber was all cut down in front of us for a quarter of a mile, and 
the rebels h id taken poss'ssion of a heavy piece of timber in our front, but on 
the right of us wa- an open space of giound where we had a battery planted. — 
Some of the rebel sharpshooters stationed themselves in trees, the better to see 
our skirmishes and pick them off. Our nu-n s lon discovered whoie th(>y were, 
and many a rebel paid tlie penalty of climbing a tree, being picked off by our 
sharpshooters. Several were shot out of the tops of trees by the cannon Our 
batteries were so fixed that they could rake any part of the field, our artill 'li.^ts 
kept up a continu.il fire from tlieir heavy ,-iege pn ces shelling the w'oods where 
tlie rebels iii strong force were supposed to be preparing to attack us. At 
length we saw the long lines of the rebels advanci..g upon us. Col. Mowers se- 
lected two companies of the 11th .Missouri to act as skirmishers. Mowers was 
riding a very fietful horse when he start'd out, hi' having his bi'loved Uock shot 
under him the d ly before, a lior^e that had carried him many a mile and never 
appeared tired, and th .t horse would go without flinchin- wherever his master 
re(}uired him, but he was kided at last, aiul he had to take another horse. — 
When we saw him riding at the head of the skirmishers we thought he would 
be killed or taken prisoner, lie gall >peil on reg irdle-s of the many bullets 
aimed at him, uut.l he was wouu ietl and taken pii>oner, but he gave warning to 
his men and they went bick inside the f>rt. and the rebels came on in solid col- 
umn. As they emerged from the woods their colors were thrown to the breeze 
and proudly waved o'er these sons of the South They steai ily advanced to 
take a batt. ry on our right, and our men were waiting in line of battle to receive 
them. There was noth ng to cover them, and volley after volley of mu-ketry 
was poured inio their advancing columns. As one man fell another took his 
place, and still they went on, firing as they went, reached the baitcr\, drove our 
men from the'r guns and turned them on our men. But they did not <'njoy their 
triumph long, for a .shell from a 64-pouiider exploded rightamongst them, spread 
death and destruction all around when they were thsown into coiifusion, our 
men rallied and drove them from the guns at the point of the baynnet. Some 
of the nbcls went inio town and began to p'under everything th-y could lay 
their hands upon. Three were killed iu the I'rovost Marshal's office. It was 



13 

here that the 5th Minnesota did good service. Many a rebel was made to bite 
the dust from ilifi deadly aim of the 5th Minnesota rifle.-j, and they were at 
length compelled to yield and fly bef.ire the impetuous valor of our men. Ail 
this parsed much quicker tliaal can wr.te. 

IIow was it with the rebels? They were creeping upon us like snakes in the 
grass, firing as they came, led on by the biave Col. Rogers, of the 2d Texas 
cavalry. Tlie 63d Ohio, aiso the 27ih, was doing its best to kiep them back, but 
still ihey came on and planted tlieir colors on the fort, wlien the lllh was order- 
ed to charge. Tlic\ rose and fired a volley into tlieir ranks and charged b lyo- 
nets, but the rebels could not stand the cold steel. They broke and fled in all 
directions. Col. Kdgers was ordered to suriender as piisonerof war, but he 
would not, but kept shouting with his revolver and giving command to his men, 
when one of the regulais shot him in the s-ide with a revolver, ai d one of com- 
pany B shot him through the breast. He reeled from his hor,-e and fell to the 
ground witliin a .>-hoi t distance of the outer edge of the ditch. iSeveral other 
officers were killed and lay close to him. A horse was laying dead and a man 
by his side ; another laid a little in the rear ; he had been scruek by a shell in 
the head, and lay with his liand grasping some hair and brains; his head was 
nothing but a shell, the brains were scatleied all over the ground. But fewever 
reached the woods that made the charge, and their loss must have been terrible. 
A good m.ny canje in and gave themselves up, as it was dangerous business to 
attempt reaching the limber. They would start up every little wliile fiom where 
they lay concealed, but few cotild eseajie our bullets. Many would rise up and 
cry for quarters ; tliese would come in and be sent to the rear as [jrisoners. You 
can judge fur yourself how bloody now was the conflict here and along the 
whole line. Twenty-five dead lay in the ditch, and we had to remove them in 
order to take tlieir place, so tlmt if the rebels letumed we would be prepared 
for them, as we had gathered up the rebels' guns, we were well supplied. Two 
of the boys had fifteen guns, and most of them had two. 

The battle was over by 12 o'clock. Our loss was slight compared to the 
enemy's. Their loss was about 4,000 killed, wounded and prisoners. Whole 
ranks were cut down by the cannon shot, every gun that could be brought to 
bare was used ; the rebels could not stand such a decimating fire, they broke and 
fled in confusion. We laid in the ditches all night waiting the rebels' return, 
but they never made their ap])earanee. 

After the battle was over General Rosecrans came through the lines, and was 
chceri d most heartily, as he had proved himself more than a match for Price 
and liis staff. Defeated 40,000 n bel troops under Price with half that number, 
and gained a decisive Victory over them. 

While they were engaging us Gen. Hurlbut was marching with a strong force 
to get in the rear of the rebels, and they met at the Hatchie river, wliere a 
severe engagement ensued, and our men were victoiious, drove them back, and 
we marched to intercept them. As we stalled in pursuit on the 5th, they were 
turned bick and Imd to retrace their steps until they came to another crossing 
that was not occupied b\ federals. The rout became general, and all along the 
whole road was strew n gun-', tents, &c. Caissons and cannon were captured, 
wagon loads of amninniiion and wagons of every d' scription. Flour was scat- 
tered all along the road, and cooking uten>ils of all kinds in their haste to get 
away ; our men were close upon them all the time. They would turn and give 
battle, and then retreat, as our men would overtake them as they would get a 
pretty good start of them again. Almost every house contained either deader 
sick sobliers. Siragirlers became pleiiiy, ami came in by dozens, as the woods 
were fu;l of them. They were [laroled. Tlie 2d brigade followed them to 
Ripley. The llth went to within a short distance of Kipley and came to a halt, 
and stacked arms in a pi^'ce of timber, expecting to remain for some time. 
Some of the llth were detailed as grand guard, company B being part of the 
detail, we went out in advance and deployed out the same as skirmishers, be- 
tween a cornfield and a swamp. We stood on guard about two hours when we 
received orders to retui'n to camp. On our letiini we were infoimed that we 
would remain here uatil evening, when we would go out and establish a grand 



14 

guard line. At length we started through almost impassable roads, somelimes 
nothing but a paih to guide us. Where we establi-hed cup line wa'^ an old 
wheat tii'ld, and it was the intention of our eomniamitrs to cover our wliole line 
with a strong guard ; and here we suppos d \vu would reuiain until next day. 
But no, there was no such good fortune aw.iiting us, as the oidcr c.inie for us to 
return to the regiment, as we were to mareli tluit night. Wc returned to cimp 
again, and were informed tiiat we were to march at 2 o'clock that night. We 
bad swoet potatoes and fresh meat in great plent)-, and after eating a good meal 
we lay down, and were roused Irom our slumbers by hearing the comm^md to 
fall in. As we wtre rear guard to the wagon train, we were the last to get 
started. Sucli a march as that was ; it was enough to wear out any man's 
ptticnce. We had to >top every five minutes for the train to proceed. Some of 
the teams would refuse to pull, and this would stop the whole train. We lin- 
gered along this way all night; our progress being very slow and tedious ; so 
next day we 'vent ahead of the train, and did not stop much until wc arrived at 
Corintli. where wc e>tablished a camp about one mile from the town, arid here 
we renia ned for some time, had our brigade and battalion drills under Colonel 
Loomis, of the 26th Illinois, who was actmg as brigadier at this time. Every 
regiment was ordered to report with spade and shovel for fatigue duty, and we 
had to work from day to d ly umil we considered Corinth impretrnable, as there 
were strong earthworks all around the city. Most oC the inhabitants had left, 
and the town was occupied by soldiers. After completing this work wa' received 
orders toprepaie to march with two day's rations in our haversacks, also knap 
sacks with blankets. After every thing was got ready, the command was given 
along the whole Tne, and off they moved, one regiment alter another. At 
length came a long line of \v;:gons, extending as far as the eye could reach, and 
a strong guard was hft to gu ird these trains. So we moved on from day to day, 
sometimes marching iill night. We were not disturbed by an enemy, but the 
advance skirmished almost every day with the rebels, and at length the rebels 
were driven back to the Tallinatchie river, where they were in strong position, 
and had thrown up stroi.g earthworks, and here they would have given us a 
warm reception if Sherman had not m.irched with a strong force to get in their 
rear. We could hear the heavy roar of artillery as our men advanced to the 
attack, as we had just reached the place where the brigade was establishing 
camp. Being rear guard w^e did not arrive at catnp until 2 o'clock in the morn- 
ing. Raiions were distributed to us, and we lay down on our blankets and were 
soon fast asleep. We aw-oke much refieshed after our tedious march of the day 
before. Xcxt morning we went about a mile fiom here, and pitched our tents, 
and remained several days. There was a grist mill near here, and the soldiers 
lis d it and ground corn as long as we remained. There was some ammunition 
captured here. A very good spring of water was near our camp, which was a 
rare thing to us. 

The rebels did not wait long enough to see what Sherman's intentions were, 
but as soon as they got an intimation that there was a force to get in their rear, 
they left their stronghold and fled, but Sherman took a good many prisoners, 
and pursued them for some time. The rebels d>d not halt until they reached 
Grenada. After remaining several days here we moved to Cold Water, and re- 
mained a short time. There was a small town on the railroad. The nest pi ice 
we went to was Oxford, Mississippi, where we went into camp and remained for 
some time. 

Here the report came into camp that the rebels had made a raid on Holly 
Springs, and taken all the soldiers stationed there prisoners and paroled them, 
a!so the commander of the post. Three weeks' provisions for Grant's whole 
army aiul an innnense quantity of army clothing, several thousand pairs of cav- 
alry boots were also captured, and an immense amount of cotton was burned, 
together with a train of cars jut ready to start out. The raid w.is made by 
Van Dorn and about 7,000 mounted infantry, at thr break of d ly. Report says 
that Murphy had knowledge of the intended raid on Ho:ly Springs, but of that 
we have no certain information, but he did not prove himself true to the Gov- 
ernment at first, as he was entrusted with removing all the commissary stores 



16 

along the railroad from Corinth to Tiiscumbia, as the rebels were said to be ad- 
Tiirning in force. Tu-cunibi:i valley is a very fine coiintiy, with an abundance 
of corn for forage for their cavalry. 

Their advance soon arrived at Tusciimbia and took poi^sessirn. Everything 
was ri moved to Corinth, and their cavalry followed the valley light up to Ii.ka, 
surrounded the pickets and took them prisoneis. The 8th VVi,-con^ill was scat- 
tered all over town, and there were few to iesi?t the attack of the rebels. They 
returned to camp as soon as possible, but a large number were token pri.^oners. 
Everything that could not be removed was ordered to be dc-troyed, and it wa3 
entrui-tcd to an officer in the 7th Illinois cavalry to do the burning, but for 
some reason it was neglected, and an immense ciuantiiy of flour and commissary 
stores, which came very acceptable to them, fell into their hands. There were 
several fUtlcr stores there, and the cavalry took almost everything, clothing, 
tobacco, and some good liquors. You may ask, where was Murphy all this 
time ? He was retreating with his regiment towards Burnville. The rebels 
put sued them several miles, as there wire a great many negroes following the 
regiment, the rebels would come up and shoot them down without mercy. After 
traveling several miles the rebels gave up the pursuit. Muiphy was put under 
arre -t for this and tried by court martial, but for some reason got clear, and was 
restored to confidence again, and entrusted with the post at Holly l^prings, but 
abusing the confidence reposed in him, he was arrested, tried again, cashiered, 
and dishonorably discharged the service without any pay. 

That stopped our forward movement, and we were ordered back to Corinth. 
We returned to Davis' Mills, where part of the 25th Indi.ina had a desperate 
engagement with the raiders, as it was their intention to surprise the guaid and 
take tlum piisoners, but in this they failed in every attempt. A great many of 
thtm were killed and wounded. Their intention was to burn tl'.e mills and 
tear up the raihoad here, and step the cars from running, but Col. Moigan 
with his little band lesisted all their attacks, as he was in a strong position near 
the mill. Earthworks were thrown up and our men were on the inside ; some 
cotton bales were |)laced around the top as a |)roteetion to sharp>ho(iters. Some 
of the men defended themselves from the mill, several were shot and fell in the 
water as they were attempting to cross over. After tiying in vain to dislodge 
the federals, they gave it up and left without doing the Indiana boys any damage. 
But this was not the onlp place they vijitod. They went to Bi hvar, Tennessee, 
and there met with as warm a reception as they got at the mills, and they veiy 
soon L'ft, leaving some of their number either killed, wounded or prisoners, in 
the hands of our men. They tried several places alorig the railroad fiom Holly 
Springs, but met with no better success, as the guards were on the alert. They 
attacked a small force belonging to the 12th Michigan, nunihering 115 men, in a 
small fort, and Van Dorn demanded their surrender, they i efused, and inform- 
ed liim if he wanted them he must take tiiem, while we were getting a warm meal 
they would get a co'd bite. Alter receiving this answer to his dem;mil, he made 
ready for the attack ; 500 of the men dismounted and advanced from ail sides 
to surroud this little band of brave men ; on they came, expecting an easy prize, 
they appioached to within a short distance of the fort when the order was given 
to fire, and the rebels were met by a shower of bullets, and after trying in vain 
to get inside of the foit, tliey left and look their wounded with tliem, leaving 
about 30 dead around the fort. There was no artillery used on either side. 

Such was the success of Van Dorn's raid along the railroad, they cut a few 
telegraph poles, and the wire in one or two places, and had to leave suddeidy as 
our cavalry had got on their track and were but a shoit distance b.-hind them, 
when they left tlie 12th Michigan infantry. Only one man of the brave little 
garrison lost his life, and that w-as by tlie accidental discharge of his gun. Our 
cavalry soon drove tliem insido of their lines, and here we will leave them for 
awhile. 

You will return with mo to camp again and leave the puisuit of the rebe's. 
Our canip is situated on a rise of ground 100 yards from water, (itiier way, and 
we did not suffer for tha*. article while w-e remained there, which was several 
weeks. Grant's army had to subsist ou the citizens of the country ; army stores 



16 

were quite scarce, and it became the duty of our Generals to look out for the 
welfare of their men, and long tr:iin> of wagons were sent with oidirs to take a 
ceitaiu amount of forage, when it anivid in camp it wasdistriouted to each reg- 
iment. This forage cons sled of fresh ytork, newls packed c df e, sugar, molas- 
ses, cattle and liogs were also drove into camp, and we fartd pretty well, as 
there were plenty of provi.-ions ib the country. We h^d plenty of e\er\ thing 
but bread One cracker was allowed us a day. Several thousand army over- 
coats were discove; ed concealed in a cellar, and the coffee wo got belonged to 
us. It was stolen at the time of the raid, as the citizens participated in it. 

They said they had just received it from Memphis, but our men were not to be 
deceived by such stories, and would take most all of it from them. Some of 
them had proteetion papers but this did not save them, as the soldieis had got 
tired of listening to such professiois of Unionism atid lovalty as these men 
made, which was only in vain, as there was bnt little fiiendship for the Y^mkceg 
existing amongst them at this time. We lived on the country for more th m two 
weeks. Everything vv;is taken for miles from camp, and on New-Year's day we 
were ordered to prepare for marching, taking nothing but two day's rations in 
our haversacks, and blanKets and arms, with firty rounds of ammuniii n in our 
cartridge box's. We asc' rtained our destination was La Grange. The rebels 
were expected to make a dash on that place. We arrived in sight of the town 
about the middle i>f the afternoon, came to a halt, and remaitied until nearly eve- 
ning, when we received oidersto return to camp, and were soon treaiiing our 
way bijck, as there was no use for us here. ^Ve arrived at camp early in the 
evening, broke lanks and went to our respective tents. As they were made to 
bold four men each, we lay down and soon were fast asleep. So passed the first 
da\ of 1S63. But we were not destined to remain here mueh longer, as we re- 
ceived marching orders to return to Corinth, as a brigade came to take our place 
from Holly Springs, and they informed us that Oxford w;is destroyed by fire, al- 
so Holly Spiings, iu retaliation for shooting of our soldiers by the citizens of 
the town at tlie time of the raid. It was here thut Col. Mowers returm-d to the 
regiment, having recovered from the wound which he received before being ta- 
ken a prisoner by the reb Is. He was taken b^ick to their lines, and as he had 
nothing on him to denote his rank, dre>sed in a common biou-e without any 
siioulder straps, he was not very elo-ely guarded, and he uninaged to escape the 
same day by mounting one of the rebels horses and riding it into camp, or into 
the line>, as we had no camp At this time. He was cheered by the whole brig- 
ade as he rode through the lines without any hat. His wi und was quite seveie 
and he had to go to the hospital to receive proper attenda'ce and care, and there 
he remained until he came liere r^ady to take command of liis regiment. Gen- 
eral call was sounded and we were ordered to pi epare for marching. The tents 
were soon struck and rolled up and loaded on the w.igons, everything being ready 
we sttapped on our kinipsacks, fell into line waiting tor the command forward, 
which at last we received, and are again on the tramp. 

On our march to Corinth, by the w.iy of B )livar, we passed through several 
towns, La Grange and Grand Junction, near where the 11th was a guard for ten 
days, as they we'c moving towards Holly Springs. Our rations were scarce 
here as we drew nothing but flour, and as we had no means of cooking it we 
might as well have had none. We w( re well t^upplied with fresh meat as we 
found plenty nf fat hogs in the country which we killed. We managed to get 
some of the flour baked by the negroes. 

At length the order came for us to move, and we were glad to leave here, and 
then we went to Oxford from there. Grand Junction was a raiboad station 
where two roads crossed, hetwcen Holly Springs and Corinth. We left it to 
our light and took tlie road to Bolivar, where we halted for the nigiit, and the 
next morning was pleasant, and remained so until we arrived at Bolivar, when 
the rain commenced fallng in torrents U[ion us, and it became veiy difficult to 
march. It rained without intermi-si ^n mo-t all iii;iht, and the brigade was urg- 
ed forward until at lcng:h the men refused to proceed any farther, and fell out 
of ranks and commenced building fires. 



17 

There we remained until morninp;. The road-^ had become almost impassable. 
Team-! bad as much as they wanted to do to haul their loads. The raiti ceased 
towards! nioiniiig and the w!un came out and the roads commenced drying as we 
proceeded. 

After days of weaiied marching we arrived at Corinth. That evening rain 
commenced falling, from rain it turned to snow, and after freezing the ground 
was covered witli a crust of ice. After remaining here a few days when we had 
received our two months' pay, the reffiment was ordered to strike tents and get 
ready for marching. Everything being packed the regiment was ordered to fall 
in, the rain w.is coining quite steady, and we arrived at Corintli wet tlirough. — 
After Waiting a shore time the snow and ice was fast disappearing from tlic 
ground, it had all left the hills. When part of the 11th Mi.-soiiri went on board, 
the iron hoise began to putf and blow her steam from her pipes, the cars were 
soon in motion, and Corinth wa-! soon left far behind. We passed through sev- 
eral sm;dl towns on our way, stopped at Jack-^on, Tennessee, for a short, time, 
and was soon on our wav again until we arrived at what was once a small town 
called (xermantown, where we remained all night. Some of thf boys found 
quarters in some old deserted buildings, but I chose to stay on the cars as the 
night was very daik and muddy, I slept soundly until morning. I arose, got 
off the cars and made me some coffee, and after eating my breakfast took a 
stridl through the town. It is not much of a town, about fifteen miles from 
Memphis, on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. 

The brigade remained several weeks here to guard the Memphis and Charles- 
ton Railroad. After we established camp tlie rest of the regiment came, and 
guards were stationed all around the camp as protection, and there was another 
line out near a mile. In time of peace this place was a great resort for sport- 
ing men from Memphis, but tiiere was nothing but a few old houses now, and 
mo.-t t)f theu) deserted. Some peop'e were living there then, but most of the 
men were in the rebel army, and most all of the corn was taken for forage, and 
there was very little of anything left, for the people to subsist on. Hogs were 
killed until there were scarcely any left., all the fences were burned for fuel, ev- 
ery bt.ard that could be found was used to make bunks. Water was plenty and 
of good quality. The weather becim" quite pleasant and the roads soon dried 
up, and we had our daily battalion drill, and spade and shovel came again into 
requisition, and men were detailed to go and build a fort, as it was considered 
necessary. After working from day to day with the assistance of the 8th Wis- 
consin regiment, there was a fort built and a battery planted on the inside. The 
battery was manned by the 2d Iowa artillerists. After finishing tins fort we 
were ordered to prepare for marching. It was shortly after moving our camp. 
We had the tent called the Cybley tent, and we could put fire in them and make 
them quite comfortable, as there was an aperture for the smoke to go out. — 
There was room enough for fifteen men in one of these tents. They were pliced 
up ;ibout three feet from the ground and banked up with earth all around, and 
a door was made for an entrance. 

At last our brigade was ordered to move, and wo had to pull down our tents 
and leave our comfirtable quarters and try the field ag.iin. The biigade moved 
to within two miles of Memphis, and there they encamped for the night, and 
men were detailed to go and load the boats, atid passed one day loading the 
boats. The In-igade marched down to the landing and were soon on board, as 
most everything was on board. Each regira^'nt loaded their own things and it 
was done in short order, and the lltli Missouri was soon ready to go down the 
river. At last the boat got under way and stopped at Helena for a short time. 
General Prentiss was commander of this jjost at this time. Several of the boys 
got off the boat and got a little the worse of liquor and became quite noisy, and 
General Prentiss ordered his men to arrest them, but they were unable to do so, 
owing to the resistence made. Revolvers were drawn and missiles were thrown, 
and the guard was driven from the ground, and they soon returned with rein- 
forcements, and Mowers went on shore to get the men to goou board their boats, 
and they soon went on board. Tlie guard* formed in line in front of the boats 
and loaded their guns. Chunks of coal were showered upon them and several 



18 

of the officers and men were hit. General Prentiss came to give some orders to 
his men when he was struck in the head, and this so enrap;od him that he sent 
for a brigade of infantry and a battery of artillery, and tlicy were coming on 
double quick when ilie boats moved out fur fear of a genera! outbreak, as there 
was one of tlie 47tli Illinois shot through his leg, and when the sergeant sliot he 
ran, pursued by several of the 47tl), but I never learned the jiartieulars as the 
pursuers litid not returned when the bo;it kft. We crossed the river and the 
boat was tied up to the shore and the regiment got off and then commenced the 
work of preparing our jneals. We landed on a small island, there was plenty 
of wood for fuel and soon numcous fires were kindled and the work of cooking 
was soon over, and our meal was ready for eating, which was coffee, fiied bacon 
and crackers, that constituted our bill-of-fare, also sugar to sweeten our coffee. 
After remaining here several hours the bell rang, and we were ordered on board, 
the boat was loosed from her mooring and we left this place nnd went down the 
river about six miles, and stopped and remained all night on the boats, and in 
tlie morning the brigade went on shore. Then comiueneed the work ot clearing 
ground for a camp. The cane stood thick on the ground and all tliis w:is cut 
down and carried into piles to be burned. Here we got new tents, and there 
was a place soon cleared off to put them up. The tents were made to hold four 
men, and there was but little room, as the water was all around us; there was 
nothing but s:ind after the cane was carried oft'. The division was all camped 
here commanded by General Tuttle, and Joseph A. Mowers commanded the 
brigade. lie received liis promotion a short time before. The division remained 
here for nearly a month awaiting a boat to carry us away. At length tlie boats 
arrived, and we were glad to see the tall sn oke stacks appear in sight, as we 
knew that we would soon leave this dull place. We were oi dered on board the 
boats, and under a heavy fall of rain we struck our tents and stayed all night 
and next day until about four o'clock. The wind was blowing a very strong 
breeze, the rain had ceased ;md the weather became conl enough for overcoats. 
At length, after many hours impatient waiting, the boats got under way, and 
nothing occurred worthy of notice until we arrived at a place called Duckport, 
and there the division landed, and then commenced the work of unloading the 
boats. Provisions and army stores were soon carried from the boat on shore, 
and our camping ground was soon staked out. Touts were soon pitched and the 
soldiers were soon enjoying themselves. The division encamped near the Vicks- 
burg canal, it had just been commenced and some soldiers and negroes were at 
work with spades and shovels, and some were using wheel-barrows to remove 
the earth from the middle of the ditch, as it was forty feet wide. The object 
was to turn the course of the father of waters into this canal. There were 
dredge boats at work at the mouth of it. Each regiment had to take their turn 
working on this great ditch, and some days there were over two thousand men 
engaged at once, as they came from Young's Point to assist in carrsing on this 
great work. After three week's hard labor the water was let intu it, nnd some 
barges and one small steamboat went d jwn thiough to New Cartlmge, and then 
the water commenced falling and the dredge boats had to stop digging. There 
were three of them in operation deepening the canal at this time. 

About the middle of April several transports and gunboats ran the blockade, 
passed all the batteries, and the rebels tried in vain to stop their progress, but 
still they kept on until they got out of reach of the enemy's guns. There was 
but few of the boats damaged and they ran the gauntlet several times. Oiders 
came for the division to move camp, and General Mowers' brigade moved their 
camp about a mi'e and then commenced the work of leveling off the ground, 
which was once a cotton field, and a few days after moving camp, orders came 
to prepare for marching, take nothing but our haversacks and canteens, two 
days rations, one blanket, forty rounds of cartridges in our boxes and our guns 
in pel feet order. 

On tlie 2d day of May we left the mouth of this canal as it had proved of but 
little use and all our woik was to no purpose, and we gave up the project as no 
use. Ihe division left their camps, and owing to delays, the toads being bad, 
they had to stop to repair them, so teams could pass as we had to transport our 



19 

provisions on wngons. Tliey did not get but a short distance from camp the 
tirst d ly and the noxt day they marched about fifteen miles. They followed the 
course of the canal all the next day, and at last we arrived at Ilichmond, Louis- 
iana, where we encamped for one night, and next morning resumed our march 
and camped as before, and the division kept marching from d^iy to day until 
they arrived at Hard Times Landing. The water was getting low in tlie canal 
and a number of barges could be seen all along the route. Our forces followed 
the course of the canal until they came to a hike or buyou, and they followed 
this thirty miles below Vicksburg. A bridge had to be conj^tructed for our 
forces to cross, and here we were delayed part of a day, and we remained all 
night waiting to cross a biiyon that ran into Black Bayou. At length we ariived 
at Grand Gulf on tlie opposite side of the river, where we weredrlayed in cross- 
ing for several hours. Several boats were busily engaged in transporting troops 
across the river, landing them on tlie shore. Our turn came at last, and the 11th 
Missouri soon got on board and were landed on the opposite shore, and here they 
remained over night, the weather being pleasant we enjoyed a good night's sleep, 
and awoke quite refreshed from our weary marches. 

On the march from Duckport through the State of Louisiana, there were sev- 
eral fine plantations passed, and corn was growing finely, and indications of a 
good crop. Some splendid dwellings and gardens, and every convenience to 
make a person comfortable. Before this war broke out the owners of these 
plantations were living in luxurious case, nothing to do, slaves to do their bid- 
ding and obey their commands, and they became so wealthy that they did not 
know wh t to do with their gold, they hardly knew the value of money, they 
had nothing to do but to get rich, and when this rebellion broke out they were 
ripe for anything that tended to mischief They had all left their homes and 
engaged with their hearts and hands carrying on this unjust war, the almighty 
negro was the cause. Many valuable lives are lost on both sides, and many 
more will be lost before this un'ioly rebellion is crushed. All of these splendid 
dwellings were destroyed with fire by the soldiers. I will fail in describing the 
splendor of these dwellings and gardens. All were destroyed, costly fu.niture 
and pianos shared the same fate of the other things, nothing was left but 
smouhlering ruins. Many thousand dollars worth of valuable property was de- 
stroyed, every deserted dwelling of any value was destroyed on this march, but 
we were not destined to remain at this place long. There was once a town liere 
but there was nothing but the brick chimneys standing to mark the place, as it 
had been destroyed by a force of our men beJbre the rebels were driven from 
this stronghold, as it was a very strong natural position, but a force of our men 
got in the rear of them and they left everything and lied. Tuttle's division did 
not arrive in time to take any part. A small force of oui men were there to 
hold this po^ition, as it was situated on a very high bluff it did not require a 
strong force to hold it. 

Everything being in readiness for a'forwrad movement the order was given 
and the division was soon on the move towards Jackson, the capital of Missis- 
sippi. We had to march up a very high hill and kept going from one hill up 
another until we had gone about two miles, and then it became easier marching. 

We did not suffer for want of bacon, hams, sugar or molasses. Some of it 
was found hid away in the brush. Thi.«i was taken bv the soldiers and very lit- 
tle was left for the owners to use after our forces had passed. 

Our advance had a short skirmish with the enemy on the march to Raymond, 
and five men were killed and wounded on our side. They met with no more op- 
position until they arrived near Raymond, when Greggs' brigade encountered 
our advance, and after a desperate resistance they were forced to give way and 
leave us in possession of the ground. The loss was about equal as they occu- 
pied a ditch. The '20th Ohio and 20th Illinois charged upon them and drove 
them from the diich at the point of the bayonet. They fired a volley into our 
adviince as they Avere marching pasta heavy piece of timbrr and took our men 
partly by surprise, but tliey soon recovered and drove the enemy from the tim- 
ber. They could not stand cold steel, as our men rushed with impetuosity right 
forward, and drove the rebels wherever they tried to make any resistance to our 



20 

advancing columns ; they were bayoneted in the ditch without mercy. Our di- 
vision did not iiriivc in time to participate in thi-< Vj;ittle as the rebels hud torn 
np a bridge we h .d to cross and burned it, and hero we were dviayod several 
hours waiting for the bridge to be lepaircd. At length the division got started 
again but the battle was over before we cou'id get to our mens' assistunee. Af- 
ter passing through Raymond there were indications of an enemy being in ad- 
vance, when the 5tli Minnesota regiment was ordired in front to examine the 
timber. A line of battle was formed and the advance commenced, the 11th 
Missouri following tlie skinnisliers. Tliey soon gained a heavy growth of tim- 
ber. It was with difficulty we could proceed. We had advanced but a short 
distance into this timber when the ordvr was given to halt, and it being evening, 
the regiment remained here all night. Some rain fell during the early p;irt of 
the evening, but it did not last long. As most of us had rubber blankets we 
did not suffer from the r.iin, and after preparing our coflee we lay down and 
sK'pt untd morning. Next moining very early the brigade was ordered to fall 
in, and we were soon on the way towards Jackson. We expected the rebels 
would dispute our possession of a certain spring, but they did not interfere with 
us here, as there was a f iree of cavalry here when the brigade passed in the 
morning. We halted here long enough to fill our c:inteens with good cool 
water. The roads were quite good for marching, as the rain had settled the 
dust. The bugle was sounded for the command to move forward, and every reg- 
iment was soon in motion. On to Jackson, was the word, where the rebels were 
supposed to be in strong force. 

May 14th, th« morning was cloudy, and had every appearance of a storm — 
Our forces had proceedi d within about six miles of Jackson, when the rain com- 
menecil falling in torrents, and the roads soon b' came almost impassable, b\it 
still they moved onward until they arrived within ubout two miles of Jaciison, 
when the 5th Minnesota regiment was ordered to halt, and the 11th Misscmri 
was put in advance, »nd company B and F were sent in front to act as skirmish- 
ers, and some of the 47th Illinois. Company F, commanded by Captain Clea- 
land, and cempany B, Lieutenant Weber. They deployed as ski.mishers and 
Clealand ordered them to advance. The rebels had opened from one of their 
batteries and were getting the range pretty well, when the 2d Iowa battery was 
ordered forward, and they openeil with shot and shell and soon silenced the ri b- 
el's guns at this place, and killed the Lieutenant of the battery. They were 
shooting at our men at a long range and the order wa-^ given to advance, and 
they had to cross an open lield, when a volley was fired from tlie rebel skir- 
mishers and the balls whistled pretty close to us, but did no injury to any of 
the comp iny. As fast as the skirmishers advanced the rebels fell back until 
they reached a very deep ditch in front of the rebel's works, and here they 
had a pretty good position, when the order c -me to fall back to the reserve, 
which was stendily advancing. A sharp fire by artillery was kept up on both 
sides, but their shots passed over our heads, deing but little injury to us. Tlie 
order was given for the skiiniishers to advance again, and they moved forward 
again and held their position until the S)5ih Ohio regiment flanked the rebels 
and found but few men inside the rebel works, and the rebels had fled. There 
were but few prisoners taken. The citizens of the town engaged in the defense 
of their capital. There were about one hundred prisoiieis taken and several 
pieces of cannon, with all the equipments belonging to them. Our loss on the 
left was severe, and it was here that the rebels had advantage of position. — 
Logan's division ch:irv'<d a battery and in spite of the heavy tire from the reb- 
el guns drove them from their guns at the point of the bayonet, and for fear 
of being surrounded they left everything and fled, leaving nothing hut a lew 
artillerists to defend their works. The ground wliere Logan's men charged 
across was quite level, and the enemy's batteries was placed to lake any p irt 
of it, and it was in crossing this that our forces met with the heaviest loss. 
Mowers' brigade? marched to the court house and stacked arms. It rained most 
of ihe time and tents were discovered in a warehouse, and they were soon ap- 
propriated to our use Every regiment was supplied This was a place of 
great importance to the rebels, the capital of Mi-sissippi, and in time of peace 
contained nearly five thousand inhabitants, and a great deal of business was done. 



21 

There were mills for the manufacture of cotton good?, an arsenal for the mak- 
ing of arms, and evei_vthiiig reqiiisitL- to carry on tlii.s ciul-I war. Tobacco, 
whisk}', sugiir, nio!asses, ami Hour were found in great abundance. Conffdcrale 
scrip would pass for full value wiih the inhabitanta of the town. As soon aa 
the soldiers gained possession of the town commenced the work of plunder, 
breaking open stores, everything of value was taken, and most every soldier in 
the brigade was dressed in citizens' clothes. Wliisky was plenty, and a good 
many of the boys got tiuht. Guaids were placed over the town, but they were 
of no avail, and the so'diers distributed fhoes to the citizens, and almost every 
thing that could be got was given to them, as these things were owned by sp'^c- 
ulators, and wen^ sold to the people of the town at the liigliest prices. But the 
soldiers did not long enjoy their new suits, for the order came to wash and dry 
their uniforms, as they could not wear citizens' clothes any longer than was 
necessary. They came very acceptable, as our clothes were wet and muddy, 
having been in the rain all day. 

The brigade remained two ni<ihts and one day here, and I was detailed to go 
as a guard to protect some citizens. One was a preacher, and he treated the 
guard quite kindly ; one wms a retired merchant irom Massachusetts. lie said 
if he was only able to handle a musket and bear the fitigue of marching, he 
would be in the rebel army, and four of us were protecting him from insult and 
his properly from being destroyed ; The town was being illuminated, atid there 
was a great deal of it on fire, and many public buildings were being destroyed. 
The soldiers had received mareliing ordeis to leave the next day, and the object 
was to leave no building standing, but they were restrained by the guards. 
When morning came we returned to our regiment, and the order was given to 
burn the tents and break every gun not in use. 

After everything was prepared the order came to leave the town, as the rebels 
were advancing in strong force to drive us out. The railroad was all torn up, 
and burned to the bridge at Black Water, by our forces. We soon left the 
town with the bands playing Dixie. The Confedciate House, which had hut 
recently been built, was burned down. The people were glad to see us leave. 
A good many of the boys remained behind, and the division Inid got but a short 
distance from town when a rebel force of cavalry entered it, and all that had 
remained behiiid were made prisoners and paroled or taken to Richmond to be 
exchanged. A Colonel of the 47th Illinois went b ick to town on some business 
connected with his men, when he was ordered to surrender, whereupon he drew 
his revolver and commenced shooting, when he was shot dead. He was a pris- 
oner once, and said he never would be taken again. 

The division marched until evening, when they were allowed a short time to 
prepare some coffee; had barely time to finish drinking coft'ee when the bugle 
sounded. The advance had to fall in, take arms, and the command was soon on 
the move again. They came to a halt late in the evening, and next morning 
■were on the move agam. By some mistake we missed the li^ht road, and after 
marching two miles the command was halted. The heavy thundering of cannon 
and small arms could be distinctly heard. Tlie news came that our forces had 
driven the rebels from the railroad biidge across the Black Water after an ob- 
stinate resistence. 

After halting here for a short time, the order was given to forward, march, 
file right, and we had to retrace our steps until we got back to where we stopped 
over night. There we turned to the left, and marched until the heat of the day, 
and then halted for dinner. After eatini;, the march was resumed until we ar- 
rived at Black Water, and after stayintr here one night and part o( a day before 
crossing the stream, a fine horse was purchased by the privates of the 1 1th Mis- 
souri and presented to G n. Mowers. He had several horses shot while engaged 
in battle. He made a few remarks — it was unexpected to him, and took him by 
surprise. After this was over the division crossed the river on a pontoon bridge, 
and the bridge was taken up as soon as we crossed. Here the division l)ivou- 
acked for the night. Next nujiiiing most cf the division moved forward with 
the exception of part of the 11th Missouri, which was detailed to guard some 
ammunition and artillery which had been captured from the rebela. Soon after 



22 

the ammunition and artillory were removed, and we left the river to rejoin the 
brigade. Several Imndnd eonf'ederaie prisoners who had been taken iti the late 
batths, brought up tlie rear. 

We n joined the brigade, and quite hite in the evening arrived in front of the 
rebel works. Here tlie army sto[iped, and the lines extruded all around the city 
of Vieksburg. Here we reiuained until the evening of the 21st, when an order 
was read with reference to stoiniing the rrbcl works on the following day. Mean- 
while severid biitteries were busily engaged throwing shot and shell into the 
rebel works from nioining until night, and it was not safe to go within sight of 
the reliel works and expose ourselves to their sharpshooters, as several of our 
Soldiers were struck over 800 yards from the fort. 

From Black river there is a range of high hills, of deep valleys, and heavy 
timber, until arriving within half a mile of the rebel works. The timber had all 
been cut down, and there was no way of approitching the rebel works except by 
roads, and these were wi 11 protected by artillery, and the forts were so built 
that they commanded every road with stockades. 

The morning of the 2 2d of May, a day long to be remembered by many was, 
dark and cloudy. Our lines were formed, and the brigade marched a short dis- 
tance from the eni^my's works and ordered to stop ; and here they lay until four 
o'clock iu the afternoon, when the order was given to fall in Ime, and not speak 
a word, as the brignde was going to )nake an effort to get inside of the rebel 
works. The lltli Missouri was in advance. Up they went on double-quick lo 
within 300 yards, when the rebels opened on us with shot and shell, and their 
sharp-shooters from behind their works were pouring volleys of rifle bullets into 
our ranks as they advanced. Whole ranks were shot down, either killed or 
wounded, and only about 30 reached the works. The Colonel of the 11th lad 
the chaige, and reached the outer ditch. While there the rebels threw a hand 
grenade and it tore off the fsont of his cap, doing him no other injury. The 
colors were planted on the outer works, and there tliey had to remain until 
evening, when, under cover of darkness, the Colonel got away, ^nth the men 
that had reg:dned the works. At night the brigade returned to our old camp- 
ing place- It was a terrible day, for the regiment was exposed to a heavy fire, 
failing back with heavy loss without accomplishing any thing. The loss was 
over a hundred men ia killed and wounded. After remaing a few da\s after the 
storming ol the enemy's entrenchments, order came, and the 2d biig;ide had to 
mova again ; and early in the evening our lities were foi med, the command was 
given, and every reginent was soon in motion — destination not known. After 
marching until quite late, halted, and camped for the night near a creek. The 
niglit being warm, we li;\d a conifoi taMe sleep with our blankets and the sky 
above to cover us. We were not disturbed until morning. Nrxt morning afier 
eating bieakfast we resumed our march, until we arrived at Snyder's BluHs, and 
here we came to a halt, and remained one night and part of a day. This was a 
strong position, held by the rebel*, but on the approach of our forces was vaca- 
ted, as there was dinger of being cut off from the main army at Vicksburg. It 
was a place of little importance, as there was nothing but hills and valleys and 
some rebel entienchments. A very small portion of the land could be cultiva- 
ted. There were some people living in these hills, and seemed to enjoy them- 
selves. But few men were to be seen at home, as they were gone into the rebel 
army. 

Orders came at last, and the brigade was soon in motion again on the road to 
Y:izoo City. After marching up one hill and down another, the brigade ariived 
at Mechanicsburg, wliere our cavalry fell in with a force of rebel cavalry and 
there was a short skirmish. The infantry went to the cavalry's assistance, when 
the rebels broke and fled. Our casualties were slight ; not much loss oti either 
f-ide. The cavalry did not pursue the enemy far, but returned and camped for 
the night at Mechanic-burg, where the infantry had kindled fires. You could 
see where each regiment was halted and were resting from their weary day's 
march. 

At the sound of the bugle in the morning every soldier seemed to spring into 
life again, and were soon all interested ia the work of preparing their meal. This 



23 

work was soon over, most of the boys being their own cooks, and carried their 
cooking utensils along with them. Water w.is not very plenty, and most of it 
cistern watrr. 

Mechaiiicsburg was a Fmall town with a few old houses in it, and no business 
wortli mentioning being done there. Everytiiing appeared desolate and iorsa- 
ken. Next morning we left this pl.ice for Haines' Bluff. Our road ] ly thmugh 
a heavy timber ; it was a road not much trave'ed at this time. Wefcillowed 
this road until we came to a very large plantation, and here the cemmand Indted 
for a short time. Finding plenty of chickens liere, the t^oldiers took most of 
them, and when the command moved forward there was not a rooster left to 
crow on the plantation. There were a great many negroes on this place, their 
mr.ster in the rebel army, and he very wealthy, owning three large plantations. 
Afcer staying here a short time the command was ordered to move forward, and 
ea^li reg'inent was soon in motion again. After (merging frdin the liills we 
struck a flat open country along the Yazoo river, where corn wns growing finely, 
and would soon make gond forage. The command halted for dinner, after which 
we moved forward ;igain, and late in the evening came to a halt near a creek of 
Clearwater; here the command bivouacked for the night. Next moining the 
march was resumed again, and then commenced the work of t limbing a very 
high hill, and leaving the Yazoo bottoms. At lenghth the whole army reached 
the summit of Haines' Bluffs. 

The weather had become very warm and it was almost impossible to march, 
but there was a cool breeze stirring on the hills, and if it were not for this the 
command would have had to halt, as the heat was almost sufficating. 

Hainc>' Bluffs was on the Yazoo river and had been in possession of the rebels, 
who, for some cause, had left. After blowing up the magiizine they went into 
Vicksbuig, and our forces soon took possession. It was a place of vast import- 
ance to us, as we couid get our supplies from the river, and provisions could be 
hauled by teams and wagons to the besieging army very easily, as it was but a 
short distance to the landing. The army got plenty to eat bere, but we were 
not suffered to remain long. 

One morning early the brigade was ordered on board steamboats, which were 
in waiting to receive us on board. There weie several of them in the river, 
and one was a gunboat which was to accompany us on the expedition. This day 
was passed on the boat, everything ready and waiting the signal to move. At 
last we got under way and tlic boats moved up the river. 

The Yazoo river is a long narrow stream, full of short turns ; our largest boats 
could not navigate it. Our destination was unknown to us at that time. At 
daylight next mofuing the boats landed us at a place called Setorsia, a small 
town, containing one church, a few stores and groci'ries. As soon as the bi)at.s 
sto| peJ the soldiers were soon on shore, the stores plundered of everything they 
contained, which was not much. Gen. Mower ordered them on board again. 
Returning to the fioats the oider c;ime to form in line on land. Signs of an 
enemy were to be seen, and skirmishers were thrown out to see if the road was 
clear. The 8th Wisconsin was in advance, and had moved but a short distance 
from the town, when the advance fell in with some of the enemy's cavalry, and 
they commenced to fire oirthe 8th. The skirmisliers and brigade hailed on the 
side of a hill, when the rebels fit d before them as they advanced, keeping it up 
all the way to Mechanic^burg. Two of the 8th were severely wounded. Here 
they resolved we sh(ndd go no further. They formed their line of battle about 
one mile and a half from town, and there awuited our appioaeh. A battery was 
ordered forward, and they opened fire where the r< bels were supposed to be ; 
after shelling'them a short time, the rebels returned the fire, doing no injury to 
our men, as ihey shot too idgh. A battalion of the Hth Hlinois cavalry was 
oidered to mal<c a charge, which was done in gallant style. They bore down 
on the rebels with sabres glistening in tlie sun, rushing at full speed U|ion the 
enemy, which was in line of battle to receive them ; but what could rtithst.ind 
such a charge ? The sabre was the principle weapon used. This was too close 
work for them, and they broke and fled, taking iheir ai tillery with them. The 
cavalry took 70 prisoners. Their loss in killed not known ; a large number were 



M 

wounilcd with the sabre. Tho infantry moved forward to the support of the 
cavalry, but the rebels wore dispt'r.si'd before the infantry could render any assist- 
ance. The reoc'Is were suppos'd to be al)0ut 3,000 strong, mostly mounted in- 
fantry. They could not stand but a short time before the impetuous valor of 
our brave men, figiiting for the right. Thcv made several ineffectual attempts at 
resistance, but they were at last forced to flee and leave us victors. 

The cavalry pur,~ued the retreating rebels several miles, cutting them down 
with tlu'ir sabres wlieiiever tliey oveitook them. Some of the men were quite 
old and gray. The infantry went about a half a mile from town and there 
camped fi)r tl\e night. 

Company B, llih Missouri, and a company of the 47th Illinois, were sent out 
in I'ront to act as a grand guai'd ; and here we remained for twenty-four hours, 
when we were relieved by compmy C, and returned to the regiment. Order 
was then given to draw two days' rations, as we were to march next morning. 
At si.\ o'ch)ck next morning we made preparations to march, drawing another 
day's rations, and began our return to Haines' Bluff. Our knapsacks had arriv- 
ed but were r> turned again to the boats. 

The 11th Missouri wnsroar guard and the advnnce moved quite slow, owingto 
theextremehe.it; it was almost impossible to proceed .-omelimes ; no air stir- 
ring, and some of the soldiers died on the way. A great many were sunsti uck. 
\Ve marched back to Sertorsia, which was destroyed, and Mechonicsburg waa 
left burning. 

After leaving t'.ie timber part of a division fell in with our brignde. On this 
expedition tliere were three brigades of infantry, under command of Brig. Gen. 
Kimble; also several regiments of cavaliy, with artillery. Tlie Yazoo bottom 
road was taken. Corn had been planted by order of Jeff. Davis, and it was 
growing finely on each side of the road ; some of the stalks were higher thnn 
our heads as we ])assed along. It would soon make good forage for our cavalry. 
This roiid was dry and dusty. Tiiere was jdenty of water on the bottom, as tliero 
were cisterns every few miles. The first day we marched until late, and came to 
a halt near a creek of running water, and next day arrived at our old camp early 
in the evening. After remaining here a short time we went by steamboat to 
Youngs Point. 

On the march from Mechai^icsburg the llih lost several men; they were be- 
hind and were taken by rebel cavalry, who were picking up stragglers, but did 
not get many, as our cavalry were protecting the rear, and they did not venture 
\ip very close. All cotton was bin-iied on this march, also some corn and a few 
houses, one a very fine iiouse occupied by a rebel. Evei'ything of value was 
taken because he aided in capturing some of our boys by making signals to a 
party of bushwhackers. lie w.is taken and d' livered as a prisoner to the Gen- 
eral. The brigade marched to Young's Point, established camp, where we were 
soon at ho!ne. 

After resting for a few days orders were received for the brigade to prepare for 
amove next morning. Everything was found ready on the 14th of June, and 
on Sunday every regiment was formed in line and soon moved from Young's 
Point to go to Kichinond, Louisian.i, where the rebels were said to be in force, 
throwing up entrenchments. We were sent out to reconnoitre on the loth, after 
a good night's rest. Our advance fed in with some of the enemy's skirmi.-hers 
when about two miles from Richmond, The 5th Minnesota was acting as skir- 
mishers. A line of battle was formed, and then the order was given to forward, 
and the whole line moved to the support of the skirmishers. Wiien within a 
mile of Richmond tiie skirmishers were saluted wiih a shower of bullets, but 
most of them passed harmlessly over their heads. Two of the 5th were slightly 
wounded, which was all the damage we leccived. Two batteiies were brought 
into play ; one was handietl by some men of the marine biig ide, and they did 
some good sliooting. They came from Millikin's Bend. The 11th Missouri whS 
supporting Taylor's battery The rebels would send an occa'-ional shot at us a3 
we were laying down in front of our ait'llery, and after firing over 100 rounds 
from the two batteries, Geneial Mower discovered wliere tiie rebels were. They 
occupied a strong posriiou on the opposite side of Wolf creek. He rode along 



25 

the lines, each regiment being in its place, and the command was given to move 
across this creek and take the rebels in the rear. The marine brigade was or- 
dered to take our place to support the batteries. After marching through a 
heavy piece of timber, we emerged into an open field near the creek, and then 
we could see the rebels retreating, and our advance in hot pursuit. 

We soon reached the creek opposite tlie town and crossed over. There was 
evidence of there having been a strong force there, as their shanties were left 
standing, and deserters informed us that there were 7,000 of Taylor's and Walk- 
er's men here when we attacked them in the morning. They had dug some rifle 
pits and had several pieces of artillerv, but used them very little. One man lay 
dead in a ditch, and two were wounded, one of them seriously, They were in- 
jured by a shell. 

A battallion of the 10th Illinois cavalry pursued the retreating rebels and 
took 30 pi isonors, with slight loss on our t^ide. The citizens of the town fled 
with the retreating rebels, as they were informed that they would be protected 
inside the rebel lines. Some of them taking nothing with them, and our men 
soon toolf possession. And then commenced the work of plunder, as everything 
was ordered to be destroyed, the town was soon in ashes ; there was nothing but 
a heap of ruins two hours after our forces took possession. 

The day passed away and night found us three miles from Richmond, where 
we halted for the night. The marine brigade returned to their boats that eve- 
ning, burning everything as they went. Arrived at Young's Point at 1 o'clock on 
the 16th day of June. The sun was sending its hottest rays upon us, and it was 
almost impossible to proceed. We had water a short distance from camp and 
plenty of it ; it was not good, and the brigade soon felt the effects of using this 
water. Ague and fever became frequent, and several men died in the brigade. 
We remained here encamped until after the surrender of Vicksburg. You may 
judge of our feelings when we learned that the rebels had surrendered to Grant. 
It was hardly believed that one of the strongholds of the rebellion was in our 
possession, and the father of waters was open to commerce again from St. 
Louis to New Orleans. 

Col. ANDREW JACKSON WEBER, 

Wth Missouri Regiment, Ilortally Wounded, Jane ^Mhfl^'oZ, in front of Vichslurg. 

Nothing of importance transpired until the 2Sth of June, and then the 11th 
Missouri was ordered in front of Yicksburg as grand guard, and while there 
the rebels commenced shelling us. A piece of shell striking Col. Weber on the 
head, he fell mortally wounded. This was on the morning of the 29th ; he 
lived until the morning of the 30th. In him the 11th Missouri lost a true friend, 
and it was with sorrow we followed his body to the boat which was to convey 
him home. His corpse was put on board of tiie boat, and after a short prayer, 
we returned to camp. All of the brigade followed his body to the boat, as he 
was universally esteemed by every one who knew him. Although young in years, 
he had the qualifications rendering him an able commander. He was captain 
of company B, 11th Missouri, until we arrived at Point Pleasant, but for servi- 
ces rendered there, he was raised to the rank of major, which post he held for 
some time. At length he was raised to the rank of lieutenant colonel, vice 
Penny Baker, resigned on account of ill health. He filled every place with 
honor to himself and with the esteem and friendship of his brother officers. He 
was a sober ollieer, and took pride in seeing his men appear well, and was the 
first to face danger, always kind and obliging, never resorting to extreme meas- 
ures, he won the good will of his men, who would follow him wherever he saw 
fit to lead them. He encountered cold, hunger and fatigue, and endured many 
privations along with his men ; had passed safely through several hard fought 
battles, and was always cool and collected in the midst of danger ; always in 
front of his company or regiment. He was always with his regiment, and took 
an active part in all the battles that the 11th .Missouri was engaged in, and es- 
caped unharmed until the 29th day of June, when be was stricken down in the 

—4 



26 

prime of life. His remains were sent home on the 2d day of July. George 
Weber accompanied the last remains of as brave and gallant an officer as ever 
drew a sword. 

The bri':;a(le remained encamped at Young's Point until after the surrender of 
Vicksburs which hafijM'ncd on tlic -Ith day of July, 1868. Gen. Pomhcrton 
surrendered with his whole anuy, which wa-s paroled, and a great many ef the 
men took the oath of allegiance to the U. S. Government, went home, declaring 
they would fight no more for Jeff. Davis and his minions. 

While here the climate began to tell on the men in the brigade, and several 
fell sick and some died. At last we got on to steamboats and were transferred 
to Vicksburg, and from there to Black Water on the car?. Here tents were 
pitched, and the brigade remained for nearly two weeks. From this place the 
camp was removed ten miles to a heavy piece of timber, which answered very 
well for a shade ; a choice spot was selected for a camp, the ground cleaned 
off, the tents pitched, and each regiment and brigade took its respective place. 
Officers' tents in line of the rear of the privates. On laying out the ground for 
a camp, so much ground is allowed to each company, and every tent must be in 
line with the others. The ground has to be swept every morning between the 
tents, and the dirt hauled off in wagons. At this camp we remained for two 
months ; the last month we remained here there was a grand review every 
Thursday, and company inspection every Sunday. While here Gen. Mowers 
returned from the hospital, where he had been on account of ill health. He 
took command of the brigade again, in the place of Col. Hulibard, who was 
acting brigadier at this time. George Weber also returned from taking his 
brother home about this time, also Captain J. D. Lloyd, of company B, returned 
from Memphis, and took command of his company. 

The country is very broken and hilly for miles around Vicksburg. Some 
corn near our camp was used for forage. Peaches were in great plenty. The 
boys would go out miles from camp foraging, bringing in hogs, chickens, and 
most all kinds of produce. Several of the boys were taken prisoners by guer- 
rillas, and an order was issued to stop going outside the lines. The boys' mulea 
and horses were taken and turned over to the quartermasters. 

Deaths became frequent, and soldiers died off very fast ; some regiments lost 
a good many men. Here company B lost two. We remained at this point two 
months, and on the 26th day of September the brigade returned to Black Water 
again, pitching their tents in the old camping ground. 

September 26th. Earlv in the evening our tents were ordered to be taken 
down and loaded on the wagons, and tlie brigade was ordered to prepare for 
leaving this camp and return to Black River bridge. Everything being in read- 
iness, the advance was sounded, and each regiment took its place and off they 
started. The weather was fine, the moon was shining brightly, and the roads 
were quite dry and dusty. The brigade soon reached our old camping ground, 
and after our tents came they were pitched, and here the brigade remained, 
without anything worthy of notice transpiring until the 14th of October, when 
Mowers' brigade and the 2d Iowa battery was ordered to get ready to leave 
camp, taking six days' provisions and 40 rounds of ammunition to the man. 
The first day we went as far as Gen. Tattle's headquarters, where we camped for 
the night, and next morning Tattle's and Logan's divisions and a brigade of cav- 
alry, all under command of Maj. Gen. McPherson, crossed Black Kiver on a 
bridge. Mowers' brigade was detailed to guard the train of the division, and 
night found us at a small town called Brownsville. Here Tuttle's division came 
to a halt, and the llth Missouri was detailed to act as grand guard. Our lines 
were formed near the town, and one man was shot by some of tlie rebel bush- 
whackf^rs ; we were not disturbed again. In the morning we were ready to 
move forward, when the order came to advance. In this place there was nothing 
but a few empty houses, used as stores. Nothing of value could be seen ; if 
there was anything it was concealed, so that few contraband goods were obtain- 
ed. While inarching through this place next morning some goods were discov- 
ered in a house belonging to a Jew. The regiment stopping at this place for a 
short time, some of the soldiers helped themselves to whatever they could find ; 



27 

but a guard being placed over this house, not much could be obtained. 

The roar of cannon broke upon our curs, and we could tell by the sound that 
it was some distance ahead of us. It continued for a short time, and then 
ceased, and we were ordered forward, but soon came to a halt again. In this 
way we proceeded all day. At nightfall wo came to a halt, and camped, the 
brigade forming a hollow square. Here we remained till morning, when the 
order came to fall in and move forward. 

The cavalry had found the rebels and were shelling them with their howitzers. 
After marching us about a mile we came in full view of them. Logan's division 
was in line of battle. Skirmishers were thrown forward and the advance com- 
menced. The rebels occupied a good position on a hill, and were supposed to 
be in strong force. It was a splendid sight to see the blue coats ascend the hill. 
Skirmishing was kept up and the rebels fell back slowly, firing us they went. 
They made but little opposition to our men, and soon they left us masters of the 
field. 

Tuttle's division had halted, and was now ordered forward again. After ad- 
vancing about a mile we came to a halt, stacked arms, and bivouacked. Rain 
ffll during the night, and the roads next day were quite muddy, making it pretty 
hard marching. We were ordered back to Black River bridge, where we arrived 
on the sixth day after leaving camp. Part of this expedition was sent to destroy 
a mill which contained a great quantity of provisions. The cavalry, which was 
in advance, encountered a battery which was placed in position to defend the 
mill. The cavalry being fired upon, they fell back, and formed a line of battle, 
and a battery of light artillery was brought forward and opened on the rebels, 
where they were supposed to be, and the place was soon made too warm for 
them. A charge was made, and several prisoners taken, with a small loss on 
our side. After the rebels left, the mill and a machine shop was burned ; then 
returned to camp. After this was accomplished, and as soon as the rebels dis- 
covered that the army was on its way back to camp, they returned to harrass 
our rear. The cavalry had several skirmishes with them during the day, as they 
would come up and engage our rear guard, but in every instance were driven 
back. They followed us up to Edwards' Station. It took us two days to return 
to camp again, marching 40 miles in a day and a half. Sometimes we were on 
double-quick, and marched in single file on the right of the wagons the whole 
length of the train. How glad were wo when we could see the tops of our 
tents in the distance. Tired and foot sore, we laid down to rest our weary 
limbs, and our sleep was enjoyed the first night of our arrival in camp, and we 
awoke much refreshed. This was the 21st of October, and here we remained 
until November. About the 6th orders came to strike tents and get ready to 
move camp. 

Everything was put on board the cars but the wagons and artillery, and land- 
ed at Vicksburg. The wagons were hauled there by the teams, the artillery was 
put on board steamboats that were in waiting to receive us. Tuttle's division 
was soon on its way to Memphis, The 11th Missouii was on the boat with Gen- 
eral Mowers. The weather was pretty cool and dry, and everything went on fa- 
vorably until our boat was struck by a floating snag, which tore a hole in the 
front of it, and it was also set on fire several times by some person or persons 
on board. It was discovered in time to prevent serious damage. 

At length we arrived at Memphis, where the division all landed. One brigade 
remained at Memphis and the other two were left at posts along the railroad as 
guards. The second brigade under Mowers was carried by railroad to La Grange, 
Tennessee. Our train had proceeded but a short distance from Memphis when 
it was fired into and a negro killed in the 11th Missouri, and two of the 5th 
Minnesota wounded ; also a negro in the second Iowa l)attery was killed. Firing 
on trains had become quite common, but an order was issued that put a stop to 
it. Every citizen was held responsible for damage done the railroad by roaming 
bands of guerrillas who were watchin-: opportunities to obstruct the passage of 
trains running from Corinth to Memphis. 

When we arrived here there was but a small force of cavalry stationed at this 
point, and it was the rebels' intention to attack the place, but they were 80 long 



^8 

in making up their minds what to do that I don't think they will venture very 
close to us again. We arrived here near the middle of November, and remain- 
ed until tile 1st of December, when the order came to prepare for marching. — 
Taking three days' rations in our haversacks, with our blankets and canteens, 
"Nve were soon on the march again at daylight. Our destination was Pocahon- 
tas We marched U]) one hill and down aiinthcr until we arrived within a mile 
of a small town on the railroad called Middletown. Tired and foot sore, we 
came to a halt and bivouacked for the night. Our niarcli was along the rail- 
road, and we passed through Grand Junction and SaLsbury. At the latter place 
part of the 8th Wisconsin regiment and some Tennessee cavalry, were stationed. 
When the brigade passed through the 8th was ordered to accompany it, and 
when they arrived at Salsbury the town was left without a guard. The rebel 
cavalry came right in the rear of us and tore up the railroad and burned several 
houses of the town. Notice was given the General that the rebels were in our 
rear, when the command was ordered back. The cavalry being in advance they 
fell in with the rebels a short distance from this town. They were posted in line 
of battle and were determined to prevent our return to camp. The artillery 
was soon brought into play, and after shelling them some time, doing but little 
damage on either side, the rebels gave way and left our forces in possession of 
the ground. A large open field formed the battle ground, with timber on each 
side. A running fight was kept up all day, a few prisoners were taken. How 
glad were we when we could see La Grange again. We reached camp about 
four o'clock, having marched over forty miles in less than two days. That night 
we slept until morning, and awoke much refreshed. 

There was a great stir in camp next morning, caused by the report that the 
rebels were seen hovering around our lines. No one was allowed to leave camp, 
and our arms were stacked on the color line, and we were ordered to be ready 
to take arms at a moment's warning, as there was no knowing what moment the 
enemy would make the attack. We were not long destined to remain in camp. 
The regiment was detailed to work on breastworks, and when the fort was nearly 
completed the order came to march again, and we had to lay by the shovel and 
pick and take up our guns and try the fortunes of the field again. Two regi- 
ments of the second brigade, 47th Illinois, and 11th Missouri, got on the cars 
and went to Corinth, Mississippi, and here they bivouacked one night in some 
old empty quarters tliat had been occupied by soldiers. In the morning the 
command was ordered to move, and early on the morning of the 21st took our 
line of march, and night found us within four miles of Purdy, having marched 
twenty miles. Next morning we moved about five miles and bivouacked until 
the morning of the third day at half-past two o'clock, when we were ordered 
again to march, and that night we came to a halt within twenty miles of Jack- 
son, Tennesse, where the rebel General Forrest, was said to have his headquar- 
ters. We marched this day thirty miles. Here we remained all night and next 
day until nearly dark, when we were ordered to march again, and the command 
was soon on its way back to Corinth again. After marching to within six miles 
of Purdy, the command came to a hxlt until morning and next day traveled 
about ten miles, and were told to make ourselves as comfortable as possible, as 
we would remain here all night. But an order came for us to return if possible, 
to La Grange. The next evening at seven o'clock the sky had the appearance of 
an approaching storm. At about one o'clock that morning we started for 
Corinth, and arrived there, the rain falling heavily and the roads becoming so 
slippery and muddy that it was tedious marching. At two o'clock we were on 
the cars again, and soon left Corinth for La Grange, where we arrived late in 
the evening, wet and cold. We retired to our quarters where we soon forgot our 
fatigue in the arms of slumber, having been absent eight days. We did not 
discover a rebel on this march, but could hear of them every day, and there 
would be slight skirmishing with our advance cavalry. Not much loss was sus- 
tained on either side. The expedition was commanded by General Mowers but 
I never learned the object of it as nothing was accomplished. General Forrest 
was said to have crossed the railroad a few miles from La Grange. 

Our stay was short, an order came to go to Grand Junction, and there the 11th 



-29 

remained for several dayi? without tents to cover themselves. It rained twentv- 
four hours, and from rain it luruod to snow, and froze quite hard. It was al- 
most impossible to endure the cold. We were alh)wed to return to camp, and 
how cheering were the camp tires to us that evening, as the snow was falling 
and the wind blowing a strong breeze from the nortli-west. As our tents had 
fire-places in theui we did not sutler much from tlie cold of January, 1864. 

Here we remained until the 2(jth of January, when we were ordered to pre- 
pare for leaving this camp for Memphis. As most of this railroad was to be 
abandoned, every available article was removed to Memphis, or inside tlie Union 
lines. The 11th and 4'7th Illinois, were detailed to guard the wagon train into 
Memphis. After two days we arrived in sight of that city, and here came to a 
halt and remained a short time. The boys received pay and were ordered on 
transports which were awaiting to convey troops down the river. At length, 
all things ready, the boats headed down the river, and we soon found ourselves 
in front of Vicksburg. Here we landed, formed in line and were soon on the 
way to Black Kiver bridge, where wo arrived on the 4th day of February. A 
brigade had left their tents stauding for tlie 11th Missouri to occupy. 

Left Black River bridge, where we were in camp, March 4th, 1864. The reg- 
iment occupied the 2uth Illinois quarters as they had left their tents standing, 
and they kindly tendered them to us while they were absent with Sherman on 
an expedition to Meridian. Tuttle's division was to have gone but did not ar- 
rive in time. The expedition had gone before we got there and we had to re- 
main behind. We remained until Sherman's army returned to Canton, Missis- 
sippi, when the second brigade was ordered to guard a wagon train of prisonera 
through to Sherman, whose command had come to a halt and was awaiting sup- 
plies. The train went through all right, and how glad were the boys when 
supplies arrived, they were suffering for the want of something to eat. Their 
supplies had been all consumed, and they had to subsist on parched corn and 
fresh pork without salt, and could not get enough of that. The expedition 
was gone over a month, and had marched over three hundred miles without 
a change of clothing, with twenty days rations. Everything was destroyed as 
they went; railroads were torn up, and corn destroyed, which was a great 
loss to the rebels. They found scarcely anything to oppose them ; a few slight 
skirmishes now and then, but no general engagement. After obtaining sup- 
plies the regiment returned to camp again, five of the 11th Missouri were 
gobbled up while foraging on this march, and have not been heard from since. 
As soon as we returned to camp again th« regiment, with Tuttle's division, were 
ordered to Vicksburg, and soon were on the move again. 

An expedition was fitting out to go up Red River, but the 11th had re-en- 
listed and were promised a furlough home, while all non-veterans were trans- 
ferred to other regiments. There were nearly a hundred non-veterans of the 
lltli Missouri regiment. We pitched our tents in the rear of town and there 
waited to be transferred ; the veterans to go home. As I was one of the non- 
veterans I was destined to be separated for a while from my comrades. We 
were transferred to the 33d Missouri, and were soon on the way to Red Riv- 
er. A fleet of transports and gunboats were in this expedition ; Smith and 
Mower were in command ; in all, twelve thousand five hundred men, infantry 
and artillery; a picked body of men who never knew what it waste turn their 
backs on the foe. 

Our transfer took place on the 8th of March, after dark. Rain fell that day 
and the ground had become slippery and muddy; it was diihcultto walk with- 
out falling. This wading through mud could easily have been prevented if the 
order had been received in time to have gone to the boats by daylight. As 
it was we had to endure considerable suffering going from shelter and sleeping 
on the bank of the river until morning. It was lucky for us that it did not 
rain any more that day ; but the skies looked very threatening. In the morn- 
ing we were assigned to company B, of the 33d Missouri. There were thirteen 
of us ; seventy-eiglit belonging to the 11th. Some were assigned to each com- 
pany in the regiment. Lieut. Col. Ileathe was in command of the regiment. 
As my object is to give an account of the expedition I will not be particular 
in giving the names of oflSoers. 



30 

We remained one day on board of the transport Hamilton. On the 10th, 

everything being ready, the gunboats in advance and the transports loading, 
we started for Red Kivcr. 1'lie )K)at3 came to anchor at tlie nioutti of Ateha- 
falaya liayou, where the troops landed and burned a rebel's iiouse after plundering 
it, and the men would have hung the owner but General Mower interposed and 
saved his life. The soldiers were ordered on board the boats again and a guard 
was stationed in front of each boat, that no soldier might go on shore again. — 
Here we remained all night, and in the morning the fleet entered the mouth of 
Atchafalaya bayou, which was followed for several miles ; anchored at a place 
called Simsport, where there had been a rebel encanipnient. Some earthworks 
could be seen but the rebels fled on our approach. Here some of the troops 
landed, and in the morning inarrhed four miles, where they discovered a fort. — 
It was across a bayou called Yellow bayou. This was a strong position and was 
very hard to approach ; if the enemy had chosen to make a »tand, would have 
given our men trouble to dislodge them, as they had to cross a bayou and a 
ditch fifteen feet deep, which would almost have been an impossibility. No re- 
sistence was made however, and this position was evacuated and our men soon 
had possession. Every availal)le article was burned and the works were de- 
stroyed. The rebels fell back to a stronger position on Red River. Mower, 
with his men, returned to Simsport, stacked arms on shore, and we were order- 
ed to prepare ourselves with two days' rations in our haversacks. Everything 
was soon ready, and we waiting for the command to move forward. It was on 
a beautiful Sabbath evening and the boys were in fine spirits. The order came 
at last, and off' we started, went marching that evening eight miles ; came to a 
halt, and the next morning were on the move again quite early. There was 
nothing worth relating until our arrival within two miles of Red River, where a 
very strong position was held by a force of rebels, and they resolved to make a 
stand. There were several siege pieces in position which were covered by a 
fort. It would have been almost an impossibility to capture it if it had been 
finished. Three guns conunanded all approaches by the river ; they were nine- 
inch guns captured from us and taken off" the Indianola. The water battery 
was protected with railroad iron with a foot of white oak frame work. One gun 
was not mounted yet, but they were working on it when Mower spoiled their 
calculation and captured all their guns and destroyed these works, which had 
taken them a year to complete. After examining this position Mower immedi- 
ately ordered an advance, with skirmishers in front, while the artillery was 
opened and a heavy fire was kept up on the rebel works The rebels returned 
the fire with a will, but doing no damage. A brigade of infantry was steadily 
advancing, firing as they went. Soon it began to take eff'ect, as our men neared 
the rebel position, and made it dangerous to show themselves. The firing had 
nearly ceased on their part wiien a charge was made, General Mower leading 
them. The works were soon gained. It was almost impossible to get into the 
fort, owing to the ditch around it, but with the assistance of one another gained 
the works. When they got on top of the works they pulled each other up by 
the aid of their guns. The garrison surrendered with eleven pieces of heavy ar- 
tillery ; also a quantity of ammunition, with nearly three hundred prisoners, who 
were sent to New Orleans. As it was in Banks' department all prisoners had to 
be sent there from here. Mower embarked with all the troops but one brigade 
of infantry, which was left behind to destroy the works, under the orders of A. 
J. Smith, who was in command of both corps. The regiments that made the 
assault were the following: 24th Missouri, 80th Indiana, 119th Illinois, 14th 
Iowa and 21st Missouri, non-veterans. 

As the order was received at the same time to take the rebel works by assault, 
all moved at once, and the 21th Missouri claims the honor of planting the first 
flag on the fort, but all deserve praise for the manner in which the order was 
obeyed. Every one was confident of victory. On they went under a heavy 
fire, and Avere soon in possession of one of the strongest positions in Louisiana. 
It was well planned. There were places in the fort for priscmers, and ammuni- 
tion would be safe from harm. The gunboats were to assist in taking the fort, 
but did not arrive in time to take part in the engagement owing to obstructions 
in the river, which the boats had to remove before they could get along. This 



31 

caused some delay. A few shots were fired from the boats, but the fort was ta- 
ken by this time. Our advance was in possession of the fort by gix o'clock 
in the evening. 

As our brigade vrns in the rear, did not arrive in time to tai<c part in tlie en- 
gagement. We were ^vaitillg to receive the order to support the advance, but 
as our assistance was not needed, we stacked our arms two miles from the fort, in 
an open fiehi, and there rem;iincd until moiniiig, wlien we marched to the land- 
ing where the fleet was awaiting us. We all embarkrd with the exee])tion of 
one brigade, which remained behind to destroy everything that could not be 
removed. J>om carelessness or some other cause, several men were killed and 
wounded in the destruction of the works ; nearly as many as there were in 
taking'them. The rest of the forces under Mower proceeded to Alexandria, 
the gunboats going in advance, the transports following. Our progress was 
very slow, only about five miles an hour. This stream is very crooked and nar- 
row, and might be very easily blockaded. The gunboats proceed cautiously. 
Parker discovered there were torpedoes placed in the river, and four of these 
infernal machines were taken out before getting very close to them. The fleet 
arrived at last at Alexandria. All the troops landed, and tents were pitched, 
and the men were allowed several days to rest and recruit up ; but we were not 
destined to remain long idle. 

An expedition was fitted out, and after marching about 40 miles, surprised 
and captured nearly SOO moie confederates, with four pieces of artillery. It 
was under a heavy storm of wind and rain when this capture was made in the 
dead hour of night, on the 21st of March. Moweis captured the couiier, who 
had the countersign, and by this means deceived the guard, as they imagined 
that it was reinforcements from Walker. They little thought the Yankees were 
so close, and were surprised to find themselves in the presence of strangers. 
We treated them quite civilly, as they were prisoners of war, and were taken 
without fii ing a shot. When they discovered how easily they had been taken 
in, their rage knew no bounds. The 33d Missouri assisted in making this cap- 
ture. Thej' were marched to Alexandria, while some of the boys rode their 
horses they were compelled to walk. They were put on board a boat and sent 
to New Orleans. 

On returning to Alexandria we found Banks and staff liad arrived. Lee, who 
was chief of cavalry, came into town ; it was the advance of Banks' army — it 
soon came, and encamped in the rear of town for several da}s. While here 
three more pieces of artillery were discovered, concealed by the rebels in their 
haste to get away. They were field pieces, Avhich made in all 18 pieces, with 
600 prisoners ; a great quantity of sugar and molasses was also captured. 
Smitli's men were called thieves and robbers by Banks, who said they would not 
fight. He started with the 13th corps, the invincible 19th going ahead, and 
came to a halt at Grandecore, and there awaited Smith's coming, who was to 
bring up the rear. Smith arrived, and the troops marched above the falls, and 
the fleet soon followed, but some of our largest gunboats had to remrin at Alex- 
andria, as they drew too much water to get over the falls. After getting over 
the falls the troops embarked on board the boats again and went to Grandecore. 
Here there was a short skirmish, in which Captain O'Donald, of the 11th Mis- 
souri, was wounded in the arm. A few prisoners were taken. 

This town was situated on a high bluff, and the rebels had thrown up some 
earthworks, but left as soon as they saw the gunboats. Few people were living 
in the town. 

About the first of April Banks moved, with his long train of wagons, in the 
direction of Sheiveport ; the cavalry in advance, and the 13ili corps, what there 
was of it, in support of the cavalry. Skirmishing commenced early, and was 
kept up until in the afternoon, when the rebels were discovered to be pretty 
strong in force in our front, having a good position. The cavalry attacked them 
withmit hesitation, and after a pretty severe fight, drove the rebels. The loss on 
our side was light. They were driven several miles this d.iy, which was the 7ih 
of April. Our men drove them in every instance until the 8th, when the 13th 



32 

corps were forced to fall back, and all their cannon and wagon train were cap- 
tured, and out of 2,600 men, only half of them escaped. 

On the morning of tlie 8th the march oommencod, with cavalry in advance, 
the 13th corps as support, their train next to them, and Bunks and his invincible 
19th brought up the rear, while Smith and Mowers with their guerrillas were 
left behind to guard Banks' everlasting train. It was train enough for 150,000 
men, and it took all of Smith's army to guard it while binding from the boats. 
We were soou in marching order, and on tlie '/th got started, following Banks' 
grand army. Rain fell this day, and l;iid the dust. Our march was through a 
iicavy pine timbered country ; water was scarce. Marched this day about 16 
miles, came to a halt. It was a long dreary march. Very few houses could be 
seen. Next morning were on tlie move again. Marched this day about 19 
miles, and came to a halt in the rear of a small town called Pleasant hill. Here 
we went into camp for the night. I?ei>orts began to be circulated through the 
regiment that the army under BaidvS was badly whipped, and things began to 
look gloomy, as the truth came to us that the 13th corps were all killed or cap- 
tured, with all their cannon and wagon train. Let me ask, who will have to 
answer for the manner in which this expedition was conducted, and the many 
brave men who fell a sacrifice to an immense cotton speculation ? Who ever 
heard of a Geueriil skirmishing with a wagon train ? All were sent right up in 
fi'ont, and our advance went as far as Sabine Cross Roads, 70 miles from Shreve- 
port, and here the battle commenced. A brigade of infantry was sent to sup- 
port the cavali'y. The rebel lines were in tht! shape of a horse-shoe, and into 
this our men moved, when a heavy fire was opened from all sides. There was no 
chance of forming our lines, as the wagon train was in the way, and after a des- 
perate resistence, our ammunition being all expended, our men broke and fled in 
all directions. Many of thcni fell into the hands of the enemy. Men and 
horses were so mixed U[) they could not be rallied again. The cavalry were 
forced to fall back, and ^Jonie of them lode through the lines and caused confu- 
sion among the men. Reinforcements were sent for, but did not arrive in time. 
The invincible 19th got there at last and formed their lines for battle. The 
enemy were steadily driving our men ; on they went, not dreaming that they 
were hastening to destruction. When they got within short range, a deadly fire 
of musketry and artillery were poured into them. The rebels came to a halt, 
and returned the fire, and soon the battle raged fiercely, neither side yielding an 
inch. Volley after volley was given and received into their very faces. At 
length the rebels yielded and fell back — our men did not follow up their ad- 
vantage, when night closed the bloody scene. The loss was heavy on both 
sides. Kirby Smith was said to be in command. 

Banks ordered a retreat. lie and his negroes were hastening back to Grande- 
core. We could see the wagons getting to the river as fast as possible, and all 
day of the 9th the wagons could be seen passing. Two divisions of the 16th 
corps had arrived, and were waiting orders, when on the morning of the 9th 
three companies of the 33d Missouri regiment was detailed to guard our train. — 
Every fire was put out and a guard was stationed all around our wagon train. — 
The i9th had fell back to Pleasant Hill, and as Banks could not command an 
army he gave the command to Smith and Mower, who immediately formed theii' 
jnen in line of battle. 

The place where this battle was fought was on a high ridge, an old field sepa- 
rating both armies. The artillery was placed in position on the ridge. All 
around this old cotton field was a thick growth of heavy timber and underbrush. 
In this our lines were formed in the shape of a horse-shoe. Artillery waa 
placed to sweep this open field, and a cannonade was kept up on the rebels, who 
occupied the timber in front of our men, and were considerably annoyed by a 
twelve pound howitzer which was throwing shell amongst them. As there 
was no good position for the enemv to use artillery very little was used. A 
fiirce of cavalry was sent out to bring on an engagement. Skirmishing com- 
menced immediately, and was kept up for some time, and they were slowly 
driven back until Piice's arrival with reinforcements, when the attack was or- 
dered to commence at once, about 5 o'clock P. M. Whea the enemy were seen 



33 

forming their lines in the edge of the timber, every preparation was made to re- 
ceive them. The lOth corps formed part of the first lino. They were seen ad- 
vancing in three lines. On they came, their object being to outflank ua, but 
were met at every point. Still tliey came, firing as they advanced, until they ar- 
rived within a sliort distance of our line.-*, when every gun opened upon them, 
and as one man fell anotlier took iiis phice. Still tliey advanced, but they were 
mowed down like grass. A brigade of cavalry, supported by infantry, only three 
men of which escaped, made a charge. It was met on the right by the 24th 
Slissouri regiment, and must nobly it was done. Its loss was heavy, one hundred 
and eighteen killed and wounded. Tlie infantry flanked them and they had to 
change their position, and it was then they suffered most. All of tho regiments 
suffered that formed this line, as it was on the extreme right. As they could not 
turn the flanks the\ fell back and massed their forces for another encounter. A 
brisk cannonade was kept up all tlie time, which was killing and wounding their 
men at every discharge. The lOth corps broke their first line of battle and 
formed with Smith's men, and Co). Hill's brigade formed in the centre, as it was 
ordered to the front, and arrived in time to take part in the engagement. The 
S3d Missouri and 35th Iowa were laying down when the rebels were said to be ad- 
vancing again. They came on with their accustomed yell, when they were again 
met with as warm a reception as in their first attempt to break our lines. It was 
their object to break the centre, but in this they fiiiled. They were met by the 
western boys. Missouri against Missouri, brother against brother, met in the 
deadly strife for the mastery of the field. Charge after charge had been made, 
still the contest went on. The rebel dead lay in heaps along the whole line, and 
the shouts of the combatants nearly drowned the roar of artillery and the noise 
of battle. Seven thousand rifles with artillery, were making sad havoc in their 
Tanks. It had raged furiously fur two hours, when their lines were seen to 
waver. Mower, who wa;? riding where the ballets rained the thickest, waving 
his sword, gave the command forward and give the rebels the cold steel, but they 
<;ould not stand such a desperate charge as this was. Mower crossed the field, 
leading the men donble-quiek into the timber, where the rebels were trying to 
rally for another charge, but a heavy volley was fired into their masses and they 
broke and fled in all directions, throwing away their arms in their haste to get 
away. They were driven from the field three miles, and if our forces had fol- 
lowed the rj^treating enemy, would have retrieved our loss, and Smith and 
Price's armies have been destroyed. As it was, all of our artillery was retaken, 
but could not be got away on account of not having horses to haul it. It was 
left on the field iu the hands of the enemy, with most of our wounded. Banks 
■ordered a letivat. Smith and Mower strenuouj^ly opposed falling back ; they 
were for .pursuing the enemy, who did not halt till they got twenty miles from 
ithe field of battle ; leaving some of their best officers on the field. 

Their loss is not known, but was fully as large as ours, which was great, for it 
was a liard fought battle, and could be counted one of the hardest of the war, 
•considering the forces engaged. The rebel forces were said to have two thousand 
two hundred strong, cavalry and infantry. They thought to crush^ Smith and 
Mowers and capture their two divisions, but did not succeed in. gotting one gun 
■or wagon from them, while Banks lost half of his artillery and a good many 
wagons ; also his whisky, paper collars, and ammunition supplies for ten days, 
•belonging to tlie 13th corps, was all taken Our ammunition was made good use 
•of in the fight at Pleasant Uill, with our new Enfield rifles. The prisoners call 
Banks their commissar?. They made a requisition on him for si.xty thousand ra- 
tions, and he filled it, giving them .something better than wc received, which was 
canned fruit and full rations of whisky. 

On the 11th we arri-ved at Grandeeore without molestation, as the rebels bad 
no idea but that we wire in close pursuit, until they sent in a ting of truce ask- 
mtr permission to care for their wounded and bury their dead, There was no one 
to°receive it, and word was sent back. They soon returned and followed us. — 
Our retreat commenced early in the morning of the 10th, the 16tli corps bring- 
ing up the rear. Went into camp aud remained here for i\week. The fleet had 
foflowed us on our advance to Shrevesport, and went to within thirty-five miles 
of that place, when the order was sent to them to return, and it was barely in 

—5 



34 

time to save tlie boats from destniction. They were not molested on the way 
up, but on their w:iy back aiiffered from sharp-shooters that lined the banks. A 
bat' cry was in position at a small town called Lacoinpt, distant eii^ht miles from 
hero, and a force of cavalry and infantry were sent there and made tliem take 
their battery and skedaddle. The j^unboats could not make them leave, owing 
to the high bank at this place. The ileet got back at last, gunboats in advance. 
To clear the shore of rebel batteries they were placed on every available point, 
but could not stand the tire from the gunboats long. The steamer Black Hawk 
looked like a seive, it was all perforated with bullets. Several men were killed 
and wounded on it, but in this attempt to capture the Black Hawk they paid 
dearly. They did not perceive the Bluek Monitor laying low in the water. — 
Green marciied his men down to the shore and ordered the boat to shove ashore, 
but they were not so inclined, and the officer in command informed him that he 
would try what virtue there was in cold iron. A heavy volley was fired into the 
boat, when the Monitor opened her broad sides. The rebels found they were 
charging on the wrong boat, and began to get out of the way as quick as they 
could, but were not in time to escape the shell that was making such fearful 
havoc in their ranks. They were shelled as long as they could be seen. Their 
loss was about five hundred killed and wounded, with Green, who paid the pen- 
alty of charging on a boat with a monitor in tow. 

April 20th. After drawing rations, we left Grandecore, to return to Alexan- 
dria. The rebels were determined we should not leave Louisiana, and were on 
the move to intercept us from going back to Mississippi, at every opportunity 
would attack our lines in front and rear, and at every point and place where 
they could make a good stand. 

On the morning of the 2-lth, being Sunday, the rebels commenced throwing 
some shells into our camp, aiming at our wagon train, but did no damage to 
trains or us until we got ready for them. Our cavalry then made some desper- 
ate charges. The 16th Indiana and 6th Missouri cavalry, did the principal fight- 
ing, with our line of skirmishers, while our regiment was drawn up in line of 
battle and watching for an engagement with them, but they did not come to 
taw. 

We arrived at .Alexandria after marching nearly one hundred miles. There 
was fighting almost every day, either front or rear, but they were always met 
with determination. Our cavalry would not be driven. The rebels would come 
up and attack the rear, when the cavalry would hold the rebels until the infant- 
ry could get the start, and then the cavalry would "fall in and come on slowly, 
the rebels following closely. Arrived at Alexandria with the loss of a few men. 
While at that place, the report was brought into camp that the rebels were to 
occupy the city on a certain day, and preparation was made to give them a warm 
reception, if they choose to pay us a visit. A line of battle was formed a short 
distance from town and we lay on our arms all night, but in the morning returned 
to camp, as no enemy had appeared. While here, reinforcement for the 13th 
corps arrived, and were sent out to the front, wlien orders came for another 
move. Tents were left standing and. Mower's and Smith's divisions fell into 
line and moved out to the front; came to a halt and remained in line waiting 
orders. Skirmishing was going on in front and Banks' men were driving the 
rebels, and several prisoners were taken. Several batteries opened on their lines 
and they soon got out of harms way. The men under Smith and Mower fell 
back about a mile, formed a line and were ordered to be ready to take arms any 
moment. Nothing disturbed us this night, and early in the morning bugle 
sounded for the men to fall in, when the advance was sounded and all were on 
the march again, cavalry in advance. They soon fell in with the rebel pickets, 
and skirmishing commenced quite early in the day. The enemy were driven 
slowly, they disputed every foot of ground. Did not come to a halt until we 
came to a place called Rodgers' Bayou. Here we stopped and eat our dinners, 
when the brigade, under Col. Hill, was ordered to the front to protect our wag- 
on train, as they were procuring forage at one of the plantations across the 
bayou. The 6th Missouri cavalry being out in front, deserve praise for the man- 
ner in which they held their position. They were forced back on account of su- 
perior numbers, there being only two companies. Artillery was used by the 



35 

rebels and some of their shot came close to our lines, killing and wounding 
eight of the cuvaln'. When the caviiiry fell back the rebels came close enough 
to use grapj shot, and their guns could be plainly seen by us. After throwing a 
few shells over us, doing no damage but killing the strength of the powder, they 
desisted, and as it was nearly dark and our wagons were loaded, we returned to 
Governor Moore's plantation, and there we had our camping grounds for ten 
days. Corn was growing finely and wheat was ready for reaping, but everything 
was destroyed. Governor Moore's family moved to Alexandria, and every 
building was reduced to ashes. Picket skirmishing was going on most of the 
time, causing > onstant alarm in camp. The water having fallen in the river, 
boats could not get back to Alexandria without damming the river to make the 
water deep enough for the gunboats to pass over the falls. All of the transports 
got over at last except one, which was the Woodford. It was used as a hospital, 
and sunk in getting above the falls and lay in the river. When the army passed 
there all the sick had been taken off". After finishing the dam all the boats 
passed througli the channel except some of the iron-clads, of which the plating 
had to be taken off to render them light enough to pass below the falls. Banks 
was for destroying them, lest they should fall into the rebels' hands, but they got 
over at last, when Banks got all of his boats loaded with cotton and niggers, 
started for the Mississippi, 19th corps in advance, 13th next, and his invincible 
wagon train, and last of all, Smith and Mower's guerrillas bringing up the rear. 
Started from Moore's plantation, leaving nothing but a few shade trees to mark 
the home of the rebel Governor, fell in with Banks' army three miles from this 
place, on their way back. Our march was right along the river and the boats 
were following us, the Monitor clearing the road of sharp-shooters, who lined 
the banks oi the river, and were doing their best to stop the progress of the 
fleet down to the Mississippi. A few shell thrown amongst them cau?ed them 
to get out of danger before the land force could get to where they were. They 
had captured some of the tin-clad fleet belonging to the Monitor, and several 
transports. One had five hundred soldiers on it and only about a hundred got 
to Alexandria. After running the gauntlet boats were sunk in the river as an 
obstruction, but the gunboat soon made a road, passed through, and at last got 
around to Simsport. Arrived about the 10th of May, no rain having fallen fot 
more than a month. 

Nothing occurred but slight skirmishing with our advance until after passing 
Fort D'Russey, at a place called Marksville Prairie, a small town three miles 
from the fort. It was a flat, open country, and for miles could be seen a beauti- 
ful tract of land, inhabited by French and Creoles, who treated the soldiers 
with contempt, and very little respect was paid to the neutral flag that could be 
seen on most all the houses on the prairie. The rebels resolved to make a stand 
and give us battle. Tiieir lines could be plainly seen. Preparation was made, 
and the advance commenced. All of our army could be seen as they came on 
and took their position in line of battle. Everything seemed to work like clock 
work. It would be a sight for an artist. The blue coats could be seen as far as 
the eye could reach, together with our long wagon train ; the dust so thick it 
was almost suffocating. Mowers moved his lines. Forward was the word, the 
skirmishers in advance. The rebels had opened with several guns, and were 
throwing shot over our lines, doing but little injury to us. A battery was open- 
ed from our side, but could not remain long in position, as the rebels soon silen- 
ced the guns. A force was sent to the left which caused them to back out of 
our way and let us pass. Some of the non-veterans of the 11th were wounded, 
and several of the 33d Missouri killed. The rebels were not heard from again 
until next day, when our rear was attacked while crossing a bayou. They did 
not gain anything bv this, and were held in check. Presently they left the rear 
and made a charge on the advance of the train. The negroes met the charge 
and after killing two of them, left, leaving their major's body and horse in our 
hands. A heavy guard was placed along the wagon train, and sappers were sent 
in advance to examine the woods along the route. 

The 19th corps was hurrying to the river as fast as they could get along, the 
13th corps being next, and Smith's and Mowers' brought up the rear. The rebels 
were endeavoring to reach Yellow Bayou and occupy their old works, but were 



S6 

beat in the race, and at night our men occupied the works, and after crossing 
the bayou camped in line of battle, fronting the rebels. The cavalry acting as 
picket'guard, was out about a mile in front. This night we slept without being 
disturbed, and in the morning the cavalry was forci^d back, when infantry wns 
sent to support the cavalry. Tiie rcbi-ls were heavily reinforced. Paul Neck, 
a Te.xas Colonel, was s.iid to have been iu command, the best artillerist in the 
South. His practice was so good and aim so accurat-, our batteries could not 
withstand the fire from their guns, ns they (irt'd by volley. Ihe infantry was 
formed iu line and started on doubh'-quick for the field where the rebels were 
supposed to be. A bayou was on oiie side and a heavy swamp on the other, and 
in this and the open space the rebel's lines were formed, with batteries in posi- 
tion ; so they had decidedly the advantage of our men. Briers and weeds were 
so thick in the sw.amp we could not get througli at all. Skirmishers were or- 
dered forward and the advance commerced. Tlieir lines could not be discovered 
until our men were right on them. A volley was given at ^-hort range and a 
charge wa.s made, when we came to a stand. Still, the rebels slowly falling 
back. Another advance was made, and this time the fighting was quite severe. 
Our men were so close every shot told ; and in this charge about three hundred 
prisoners were taken. The artillery could not be used on account of the men 
being mixed up so in the charge. But when they were falling back they suffer- 
ed most, the rebels using grape. Colonel Hill's sou was killed. Hill's brigade 
suffered severely, and himself wounded in the foot. The battle continued most 
all day. Two brigades whipped about one thousand rebels, they having the ad- 
vantage of position. Two of the guns used were taken from the gunboat, and 
our artillerists could not reach them as they were placed out of range. Their 
own report of their loss was twenty-five hundred, while ours would not amount 
to more than five hundred. It was a hot sultry day in May, and a good many 
of the soldiers fell struck down with the excessive heat. 

The rebels left our front that night, and reinforcements being sent to relievo 
those in front, returned to our old place of camping. At night enjoyed a good 
sleep, and in the morning, May 19th, started to Atehafalaya Bayou. The rebels 
brought a battery along with them and commenced shelling our rear. A bat- 
tery was left to protect the rear until everything was got safely away, wheh the 
artillerists limbered up and got out of danger. The rebels shelled them as long 
as they could be seen, doing no damage. Banks had been crossing his men and 
trains for two days, and as they were out of danger, Smith's guerrillas, who 
were guarding the rear, were ordered to prepare for crossiiig the Atehafalaya 
and march eleven niiles and take the boats. 

A bridge was constructed of boats lashed side by side and plank layed across 
the front of them, answering very well for a pontoon. On arrivihg at the 
bridge we were not long in crossing ; we got over that day and encamped. — 
Whisky was distributed to the boys and some of them became quite merry, as 
there was no danger of being waked up in the morning by the enemv's shell 
falling in their midst; and were out of hearing of the enemy's cannon for once 
in two months. As everything was got over safe the 19ih, on the 20th started 
for the boats. Encamped on the bank of the river until everything was put on 
board, and we were soon on the way to Vicksburg again. As we Avere leaving, 
Bank^s' grand army could be seen moving in the dii("ctioti of New Orleans, his 
expedition having been a grand failure on his part. Loss iii men was about tea 
thousand ; three hundred wagons, about three thousand mules and lior.ses, and 
several batteries of artillery ; also several tiansports and gunboats fell to the 
rebels to pay for a few bales of cotton, leaving the bereaved friends at home to 
mourn the loss of those who fell sucrificcs in this disastrous expedition, got up 
for political purpo.'^es and cotton. You can see how well it was m.mnged ; it was 
sent into the fight by detail, and as soon as one regiment or brigade was whip- 
ped another was sent in, and in this way a whole army could have been annihi- 
hilated. But when they met Mower's and Smith's guerrillas. Banks wms pleased 
to call them, as they did not wear paper collars, as some of his men did ; found 
they had to fight with men that were not afraid of a greycoat, and well did the 
arniy sustain their credit. Mower and Smith have won the confidence of the 
men in this little band, who arrived at Vicksburg about the 25th. After re- 



37 

maininghorc for several days, took boats and wont to Memphis; the boats came 
to anchor at a phice CMllcd Suniiysidc Botweon Greenville and Memphis, on 
the way un tlie river, the rebels were reported to bo in force, and it was witii ex- 
treme danger boats could go either up or down the river. Some cavalry were 
sent out to reconnoitre, who fell in with some rebel scouts and had a short skir- 
mish, killing and wounding a few of them. 

June 5th, some rain fell. Most of the troops landed and slept on shore. All 
night long you could hear a noise as if artillery was moving. Next morning 
commenced raining. While the fleet went by water a force was sent by land to 
clear the shore of artillery. The marines started in advance and skirmishing 
commenced quite early, the enemy driving stubbornly. The '2d brigade sup- 
ported by the marines, 5th Minnesnta, 47th Illinois, a;ul 8th Wisconsin, drove 
the rebels across a bayou called Muddy Bayou, where artillery was in position. 
Hill's brigade was ordered to support the 2d brigade, form our lines on theirs, 
but by some mistake were ordered to charge and take the battery. 

June 10th. Returned to the 11th Missouri again, but were not destined to re- 
main long inactive. After rejoining the regimeijt orders came to prepare to 
inarch, when they got on the cars at Memphis and went to Moscow, and there 
remained until the bridges were repaired all along the railroad to La Grange, 
when the cars commenced runnmg again, and a daily communication was kept 
up from La Grange to Memphis. The regiment left on the 16th, acting as guard 
to the railroad until they arrived at La Grange, when they went into camp and 
remained there until July 5th. Troops began to arrive here in great numbers, 
and every indication of some important movement going on. A great quantity 
of provisions sent over the road to La Grange, and when everything was ready 
two divisions of infantry, one division of cavalry and a brigade of negroes, all 
under command of A. J. Smith, Mower was in command of the first division, 
Moore, Colonel of the 21st Missouri, commanded the third division, Bouton was 
in command of the negroes, and Grierson was in command of the cavalry. All 
started from La Grange on the 5th of July, and went about five miles, came to 
a halt and remained there until morning. Started again on the morning of the 
6th. After marching about twelve miles came to a lialt and waited for the rear 
to come up, it was late getting into camp. Next morning resumed our march 
again and passed through Ripley. Here we discovered that the rebels were 
watching us. The cavalry skirmished. The rebels were commanded by Forrest, 
a brother of Gen. Forrest. About 3,000 mounted inf intry took a position on a 
high hill awaiting our approach. Our cavalry by some means got information 
of their whereabouts, and got in their rear, and soon made them seek shelter in 
flight, leaving 11 dead on the field, and It wounded. Our loss was none killed 
or wounded. The cavalry pursued them for several miles beyond Ripley. We 
went from there to Pontotoc ; there we remained one day and rested. Rebels 
were reported in force in our front, but no serious demonstrations were made 
until we arrived within 10 miles of Tupelo. While we were marching along the 
rebels made a charge, firing a heavy volley of musketry, creating some confus- 
ion among the teamsters, some of them running into the brush and leaving their 
teams to take care of themselves. The rebels were soon met and made to leave 
in a hurry, having accomplished nothing but killing and wounding a few of our 
men. They sufl'ered severely in this attack. The negroes being in the rear, on 
them they vented their spite, l)ut in every instance were repulsed, the negroes 
showing them no quarters. A heavy guard was stationed along the train which 
resisted every attempt of the rebels to capture any of our w.igon train. Having 
tried the train to their satisfaction, and seeing that it would be impossible to get 
any of our hard-tack, took up a position in front of us, forming their lines across 
the road, with two batteries of artillery. In this way they divided the army. 
Smith, with most of the cavalry and 3d division of infantry, was hastening as 
fast as possible to Tupelo, where there was a very good position. The cavalry 
soon reached this place and commenced tearing up the railroad track, leaving 
Mowers with tlie 1st division to guard the train and bring uj) the rear. The 
rebels being beat in tiie race to Tupelo, turned their attention to the rear, and 
expected by dividing the army they could easily whip and capture each division 
eeparatcly. They reckoned without their host, for our men were ready for them. 



The rebels fired a volley, and charged with terrific yclh on our advancing 
oolunis, but Wati'ihoine's and tlu; 2d Iowa batteries were .soon in position to 

receive tliein. On tliev came, hopinjz; to CMpture thcs'- guns as tliev were waiting 
to deal death and destruction amoiej; them. AH at once a deadly fire from can- 
non and nuisket was opened upon them at .short range, and so desperate was the 
coufiict tliat most all of the horses of one gun were cither killed or disabled, 
and 11 of their men lay dead in front of the guns. This fight Listed an hour 
when they were driven off. They used two batteries, but being at long range, 
did not damage us much. Everything was hurried up, and the rebels with all 
their shelling could not stop our wagon train, and we were soon out of range of 
shell. 

July 13th and 14th. In this attempt they were severely punished, having ac- 
complished nothing, and leaving a number of their dead and wounded in our 
hands. This fight took place about five miles from Tupelo. We marched this 
day 18 miles, and encamped on the side of a hill two and a half miles from 
Tupelo. Tired and weary we were soon in the arms of slumber, being waked by 
the drum in the morning. 

Everything arrived safe that evening. They came up and attacked the rear 
again, but were met by the negroes and cavalry, which were drawn up in line of 
battle to receive them. Failing again to fall back under a heavy fire from our 
men. Our loss was slight. A heavy picket guard was stationed all around our 
camp to guard against a night attack. A desultory fire was kept up, doing but 
little damage on either side. Things remained in this state until the ni'xt morn- 
ing, when our lines were farmed for battle. The rebels were seen advancing in 
heavy force to attack us. Every preparation was made to receive them. On 
they came, supported by artillery, to within 150 yards of our lines, when a 
deadly fire of grape and canister was thrown into their ranks, mowing them 
down like grass, and soon they were forced to fall back. Tliey rallied again for 
another desperate effort to take our guns that were making such sad havoc in 
their ranks, but the second time they were driven back with great slaughter, 
and they rallied for the third and last charge, to break our lines, but they were 
met with a deadly storm of bullets no human could withstand. In vain their 
officers urged them on, and swore that any man who was discovered going to the 
rear should be shot, but all their efforts were unavailing, they could not stand 
such deadly volleys from cannon and nmsk 'try. A charge was made, and the 
rebels were driven from the field at the jioint of the bayonet. A few prisoners 
were taken. Our loss w:is slight compared to theirs. They suffered severely in 
officers — five colonels lay dead on the field — Nelson, Forrest, Harris, Fitzpat- 
rick, Falkner — all had fallen victims to their unholy cause, along with over a 
thousand more brave men ; soTne of them mere boys, who had left their homes 
to drive the invaders from their soil, as they called us, but did not succeed in 
making us leave. We held our position for two days. It was in the rear of 
Ilarrisbuig, a short distance from Tupelo, with a swamp on both sides, in front 
was an open country, with a few trees, thick under brush and weeds, for sharp- 
shooters to lay concealed in, and pick off men. The ground was a gentle slope 
where the rebels had to advance, and we hati decidedly the advantage of posi- 
tion They tried hard to drive us from it, but they were out-generaled. Smith, 
with the first division, gained the hill first, took up a position on it, and resolv- 
ed to give the rebels battle. Being defeated in the day time, thought they would 
try a night attack, and take our men by surprise, but our men were waiting for 
them, and after an hour's hard fighting were at length compelled to give up the 
contest and wait for morning to renew it. 

The armies lay in sight of each other all night, thinking that on the morrow 
some would sleep Iteneath the sod. Before morning the rebels withdrew. The 
necroes fought well, and drove the rebels in every instance. A colonel of the 
9th Minnesota, commanding a brigade in the 1st division, was killed ; he was 
shot by a sharp-shooter through the he heart. The rebels were commanded by 
Lee and Forrest. It was reported that Forrest was killed, but I think it was a 
mistake, there was no such good news for us. Their force was said to be 10,000 
strong, mo.-tly mounted infantry. They did not use much artillery in the en- 

agement; it was always off so far that it did but little damage to us. Their 



39 

shot went crashing through the trees over our heads, doing us no damage. They 
thought to drive us from our position, as our lines were formed in the swamp to 
guard against flank movements. The rebels were said to be moving towards 
our right, and on this they made the night attack, but were defeated in every 
attempt to break through our lines. 

A flag of truce was sent in asking permission to take care of their dead and 
wounded, but it was not so much to take care of their wounded as to gain an 
advantage over us. Our generals suspected their design, which was to advance 
and take us unawares, and they were not permitted to advance. All of their 
wounded were brought from the field along with ours, and received such care 
as the times would allow. 

July 15. We still hold the hill in front of the rebels. Skirmishing was still 
going on. Our wagon train commenced moving out, the cavalry in advance, the 
3d division next, and the 1st division to bring up the rear, with some cavalry as 
support. The rebels were seen advancing in force when the second brigade was 
ordered to support the 2d Iowa battery, which was sending its compliments in 
shell into the rebel ranks, who were advancing. Here the 11th Missouri lost 
four men wounded, who were all struck by the same shell, a captain and three of 
his men, none of them dangerously wounded. Captain Clealand was struck 
twice, but will soon be able to take command of his company again. Here we 
remained as support for a short time, when our position was changed and we 
were ordered to form our lines on the 3d brigade. When we arrived opposite 
the 3d brigade they raised a yell and over the barricades they went, firing as 
they advanced. The rebels fled as fast as possible to their horses, which they 
left in their rear. Our forces watched them for cbout a mile, and we could see 
their wagon train getting out of the way in great haste. The 2d Iowa was ac- 
celerating their movements by sending a few shell amongst them. A charge 
was made by some Iowa cavalry, but they found the rebels too strong for them 
and they had to fall back with slight loss, when the oider came for us to fall in 
and follow the train, as it had all got started on its way back to La Grange. In 
this morning's engagement the rebel loss was over a liundred. While we were 
watching the rear they made a demonstration on the train, but were driven off 
after some severe fighting. They suft'erhig severely in every instance. An In- 
diana battery was used to some purpose. We marched this day oidy about sev- 
en miles, and hero the 8d division waited until the rear came up, was in camp 
early this evening, and the rebels were following the rear closely. A trap was 
set, and into it they easily ran. The 21st Missouri regiment was laying in am- 
bush, and the rebels marched right along, not dreaming that they were rushing 
on death and destruction. The cavalry were holding tlum in check but were 
longing for the infantry to come to their asaistance. t?oon the first brigade was 
heavily engaged. The 114th Illinois charged upon them as they were drawn up 
in line along a cornfield, capturing one piece of artillery and thirty prisoners. — 
They fled, pursued by our cavalry, leaving five hundred killed and wounded in 
our hands. They did not molest us again that night, as they got enough of try- 
ing to captui-e wagon trains. They found to their cost, Siurgis was not in com- 
mand. Where danger was, you would find Mower or Smith. They were al- 
ways on the alert to prevent surprise, and it was owing to their vigilance that 
we escaped so well. We returned to La Grange the 21st, having nothing to im- 
pede our progress from Tupelo after the last fight. We marched through a very 
hilly country, up one hill and down another. All day long we toiled on under 
the scorching sun. A great many died from the elTects of the sun, being ex- 
tremely warm. But the road was shaded with trees that grew along the jiath, 
and the men did not sufi'er so much on the way back. There was plenty of 
good water on this route, but provisions had become scarce and our allowance 
was third rations of hard-tack with no cofi"ee and very little meat, and that was 
fresh beef without salt. Some lived on green apples until we arrived at a small 
town called Salem, where we received full rations of hard-tack, half rations cof- 
fee without sugar, and fourth of meat. Then we fared a little better. From 
here we went to Davis' Mills, and there encamped for the night. This was only 
five miles from our place of starting. All the train was correlled before night. 
Next morning marched to La Grange to the cars for Memphis, where we arrived 



40 

at our old ciimp. A trnin ran oif the track the day we started, owing to some 
imperfection in the road. A few of the passengers were injured. Tins caused 
deliiy in glutting to Memphis, but we got back at hist witli most of our wagon 
train. Marclied two liuiidred miles, wliipped Forrest in every engagement, took 
one hundred and fifly prisoners with one piece of artillery, killing and wound- 
ing two thousand five hundred of- the enemy by their own account. Our loss iu 
all will not amount to four hundred and fifty. The rebels in Mississippi received 
a lesson that, will not be forgotten by them soon. There was severe fighting for 
three days, but in every instance they got the worst of it. 



F'muh of the Heel Ewer Exjpcdiiion — Battle of Muddy 
Bayou^ June 6, 1864. 

When the yell was raised two regiments started on the double-quick to take 
the batteries at the point of the bayonet, but on reaching the bayou could not 
get across. The brigade suffered severely in this charge. Four men in the 33d 
Missouri were struck down by one shot, and the loss in two regiments, 33d Mo. 
and 35lh Iowa, was 8U men. One of their guns was marked. Our artillery did 
not render us any assistance. Eight guns were playing on us as we advanced, 
until we got close enough to them to use our guns, and they were forced to 
leave under a heavy fire. Their loss was not known. Five more of the 11th 
Mo., non-veterans, were wounded; two of them had to have a leg each ampu- 
tated ; one has since did, a corporal in company B, named Columbus Roe. This 
makes fifteen killed and wounded in this expedition of the 11th Missouri non- 
veterans. Our men crossed over and the cavalry pursued the retreating rebels 
hauling their guns from the field by hand, as our lines were so close to them 
they conhl not use horses until they got out of range. A battery was crossed 
over, and our men shelled them as long as they were in sight. 

The houses along the road were filled with their wounded, and their loss must 
have been as heavy as ours. Marmaduke was said to have been in command. 
We camped at town called Lakeville one night and returned to the boats, which 
were awaiting us, taking our wounded with us. Got on board of the transport 
Freestone, and ari'ived iit Merapliis, where the 11th Missouri veterans were said 
to be. Remained two days with 33d Missouri. 

Wm. L. Barnum was elected Colonel of the veterans, being raised from a 
captain to lieutenant colonel, and on Websters death took command of the 
11th Missouri regiment, and on the regiment re-enlisting was elected Colonel. 
George Weber resigned on account of disability, and went, home with the vete- 
rans. 

Our loss in three years, of officers, was Captain Moore, wdio died at Cape 
Girardeau; CaptainSingleton, killed atluka; Captain llollister, killed at Cor- 
inth, Oct. 4, '62 ; Andrew J. Weber, June 29, '63, and Aujutant Bookings, May 
22, in front of Vicksburg, killed by a rebel sharp-shooter. 

As my time was drawing to a close, it being the 5th day of August, did not 
take part in the next expedition under A. J. Smith ; and when the veterans left 
Memphis on another expedition, the non-veterans went to St. Louis, having been 
mustered out at Memphis, and receiving our discharges, pay and bounty, each 
one went his own way. 



